Jürgen Klopp could not start his tenure as Germany's coach with a victory, as Cody Gakpo scored a late equalizer, securing a 1-1 draw for the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League match on Thursday. Meanwhile, reigning champions Portugal beat Wales.
Erling Haaland continued his goal-scoring streak for Norway, netting two more goals in an exciting 3-2 match against Scandinavian rivals Denmark. The former manager of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, Klopp, stated his intention to breathe new life into Germany after the country was eliminated from the World Cup for the third consecutive time in the early stages.
Klopp returned to the bench in Amsterdam for the first time since leaving Liverpool in 2024, where he faced the Dutch team managed by former Barcelona and Spain star Xavi Hernández, who replaced Ronald Koeman as coach.
Germany's night started poorly: they lost Jamal Musiala to injury during warm-ups, and Kai Havertz also sustained an injury. However, Klopp seemed on track for his first international victory thanks to Felix Nmechi's goal in the 32nd minute.
The Dutch players fiercely argued with the referee and opponents while the game continued, and Dutch forward Brian Brobbey was injured. Then Nmechi scored a close-range rebound goal.
However, Gakpo scored a magnificent volley in extra time following a cross from debutant Ruben van Bommel—the son of former Dutch midfielder and new Belgian coach Marc van Bommel—which halted Klopp's and Germany's progress.
'There is a long list of things that went well. We started great, and then we faced real difficulties within 10 minutes,' Klopp told German broadcaster RTL.
He added: 'I am very pleased with many individual performances, as well as the passion. But we can play better football—definitely.'