'A master coach but a novice with the national team': Klopp vs. Xavi, a 'general's blunder' at a famous feast... Germany-Netherlands 1-1 "Hakpo's dramatic late goal breaks Ter Stegen's nine saves"

*This content was translated by AI.

The first match between Jürgen Klopp (59), making his debut as head coach of the German national team, and Xavi Hernández (46), leading the Netherlands, ended in a draw.

Germany and the Netherlands drew 1-1 on the 24th (Korean time) at Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in the first match of Group A of the 2026–2027 UEFA Nations League League A.

The match attracted significant attention from fans as a battle of pride between two world-renowned coaches who have only managed club teams. Klopp, appointed last July with the special mission to rebuild the 'rusty German army' after their elimination in the Round of 32 at the 2026 North American World Cup, and Xavi, hired in August as the first foreign coach for the Netherlands in 48 years, both faced their first major test.

Germany took the initiative early. In the 12th minute of the first half, a header by Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) was disallowed after video assistant referee (VAR) review, allowing Germany to escape danger. Then, in the 32nd minute, Felix Nmecha (Dortmund) scored the opening goal, giving Germany a 1-0 lead.

After conceding, the Netherlands seized overall control of the match and launched a counterattack. They held a 54%-46% possession advantage and outshot their opponents 22 to 10 (with 10 shots on target compared to Germany's 2).

However, they repeatedly failed to break through the wall formed by German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen (Ajax), who made nine spectacular saves.

What saved the Netherlands from a likely defeat was Cody Gakpo (Liverpool). In stoppage time of the second half, Gakpo finished off a cross from the left flank with a stunning right-footed volley from the front of the penalty area, rescuing his team from the brink of defeat.

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*This content was translated by AI.