Gakpo's stoppage-time equaliser earns Netherlands draw with Germany

Cody Gakpo scored in stoppage time as the Netherlands drew 1-1 with Germany in their Nations League opener on Thursday. Sportschau's live coverage recorded the equaliser in the second added minute, cancelling out Felix Nmecha's first-half goal after the visitors had led for most of the match.

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The meeting at Amsterdam's Johan Cruyff Arena marked the start of new coaching appointments for both countries. Al Jazeera reported that Jürgen Klopp was taking charge of his first competitive Germany match, while Xavi was overseeing the Netherlands for the first time. Neither coach emerged from the opening fixture with a victory.

Germany's breakthrough in the 32nd minute prompted an immediate dispute. According to Al Jazeera, the visitors continued their attack while Brian Brobbey was down hurt, and Nmecha finished the move to put Germany ahead. The Dutch players objected to play continuing with their striker on the ground, rather than the ball being put out.

Virgil van Dijk led the protests after the goal, approaching referee Alejandro Hernández and challenging the German players, Al Jazeera reported. Brobbey subsequently needed to be replaced, leaving the field in the 35th minute. The dispute centred on Germany's decision to continue attacking while he needed attention; the goal stood and the Netherlands had to chase an equaliser.

The hosts had already seen a Van Dijk header ruled out following a video review for Brobbey blocking the goalkeeper, Sportschau reported. Their second-half opportunities included a Mexx Meerdink effort that Marc-André ter Stegen pushed against the outside of a post. Ter Stegen also saved from Ruben van Bommel as the Netherlands pressed late on.

Van Bommel then provided the decisive delivery. After winning possession near the touchline, he crossed with the outside of his foot towards the far post, where Gakpo met the ball to level. Sportschau recorded one more Dutch opportunity before the finish, with Guus Til heading wide. Germany's long-held advantage ultimately brought only a point.