Gakpo's Stoppage-Time Volley Denies Klopp a Winning Germany Debut

Cody Gakpo struck a stoppage-time volley to earn the Netherlands a 1-1 draw against Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena, denying Jurgen Klopp victory on his debut as Germany head coach.

Germany took the lead in bizarre circumstances in the 32nd minute. Play continued after Netherlands striker Brian Brobbey went down with what looked like a hamstring injury, and Felix Nmecha bundled the ball in from close range moments later. It came after Virgil van Dijk had a header ruled out by VAR earlier in the half for a Brobbey foul on the goalkeeper. Germany's Kai Havertz also went off injured before half-time, meaning both sides lost a key forward to fitness issues on the night.

The Netherlands pushed for an equaliser throughout the second half, with substitute Mexx Meerdink twice going close, before Gakpo finally found the breakthrough deep into stoppage time, rifling home a Ruben van Bommel cross on the volley. The result means both new head coaches, Klopp and Xavi Hernandez, began their tenures unbeaten. Netherlands and Germany next play Malta and Slovakia respectively on matchday two.