Debut of Xavi and Klopp

The showdown between the Dutch and German national teams ended 1–1 in Amsterdam, marking the debut of their respective coaches—Spain’s Xavi and Jürgen Klopp—in the opening round of the UEFA Nations League’s top tier.

At the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Germany reignited one of their fiercest rivalries, both embarking on a new chapter following their exits in the Round of 16 at the North American World Cup.

New chapter for the Netherlands

Former Barcelona star Xavi succeeded former Catalan club defender Ronald Koeman as Netherlands head coach after the "Oranje" were eliminated by Morocco at the global tournament.

Meanwhile, Klopp returned to coaching for the first time since leaving Liverpool, taking over from Julian Nagelsmann following Germany's humiliating World Cup exit against Paraguay.

Germany take the lead

Klopp appeared set to secure a valuable victory in Amsterdam after Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha put his side ahead in the 32nd minute; however, his former Liverpool player Cody Gakpo denied him the win by equalising for the Netherlands in the second minute of stoppage time (90+2). The Netherlands scored early in the first half through their captain and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk (12th minute), but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review due to a foul committed by Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey on Marc-André ter Stegen—the Barcelona goalkeeper currently on loan at Ajax Amsterdam.

Both teams were forced to make early substitutions due to injuries sustained by Germany's Kai Havertz (30th minute) and the Netherlands' Brobbey (35th minute).

Nmecha breaks the deadlock

Germany opened the scoring after a cross from Freiburg defender Philipp Treu; Barcelona winger Karim Adeyemi failed to connect with the ball due to a challenge by defender Jan Paul van Hecke, allowing it to fall to Nmecha, who fired it into the net from close range (32nd minute).

Dutch players protested vehemently against their opponents for continuing the attack rather than putting the ball out of play following Brobbey's injury—sustained in a midfield challenge by Jonathan Tah—but to no avail.

Gakpo rescues a point

Gakpo equalised following a pass from substitute Ruben van Bommel—son of former international midfielder Mark, who currently coaches the Belgian national team—in stoppage time (90+2).

In the same group, Greece snatched a 2-1 victory away against Serbia.