Dutch Squad Levels Score to 2-2 against DFB-Elf, Following Swift Initial Advantage
Surprising Start and Hard-Fought Draw: Despite Quick Dutch Goal, Netherlands and Germany Secure a Tie
Starting off shaky, then battling hard, and ultimately ending in a tie: Following the fastest goal against them in half a century, the Dutch national team managed to grab a point despite some significant defensive setbacks. Playing with a high defensive risk and immense passion, Julian Nagelsmann's team, including standout players Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, fought their way to a 2:2 (2:1) draw in Amsterdam.
Deniz Undav (38th minute) netted his debut goal for the national team, replacing the injured Niclas Füllkrug, while Joshua Kimmich (45+3) turned the game around before halftime. However, Denzel Dumfries (50th minute) equalized with another swift Dutch goal in front of 50,109 spectators at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Three days after their 5-0 win against Hungary, the Dutch proved to be a much more formidable opponent in this top-of-the-table clash in Group 3 of the Nations League. Despite the tie, the German team remains at the top of the table and faces Bosnia-Herzegovina (11.10.) and the Netherlands (14.10.) in October, potentially opening up a path to the quarterfinals.
Nagelsmann can be pleased with the team's restart after the home European Championship, despite not being able to outsmart Ronald Koeman's team. However, the team displayed admirable resilience.
Early Setback for the German Team
"Our goal is to create a memorable moment," Nagelsmann had declared. However, the team experienced an awakening of the rudest sort with the closed rooftop of the stadium due to inclement weather. The Dutch team caught the German defense off guard within the first 99 seconds, with Ryan Gravenberch setting up Tijjani Reijnders for the goal. This was the swiftest goal conceded by the German team in half a century, with Johan Neeskens scoring even quicker in the 1974 World Cup final against the Netherlands.
Nagelsmann had warned about the Dutch counter-attacking game before the match, but his team struggled to contain it. The German defense faltered, with Nico Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah both receiving yellow cards within the first 25 minutes. Robert Andrich and Pascal Groß also struggled to contain the midfield.
Despite the risky strategy, the German team managed to avoid a worse fate. Denzel Dumfries could have widened the gap with a header (15th minute), while Xavi Simons missed an opportunity to score against his former club (21st minute). Nagelsmann and his assistant Sandro Wagner were forced to come up with strategies from the bench.
Under the previous coach Hansi Flick, the German team might have collapsed after such a performance last year. However, the team has demonstrated significant growth under Nagelsmann following the successful home European Championship, largely thanks to the contributions of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, who once again proved their worth in this high-pressure match.
The Dutch also played their part. Musiala intercepted a weak pass from his former Bayern Munich teammate Matthijs de Ligt. The ball was sent to Wirtz via Havertz and Undav, but Verbruggen managed to save Wirtz's shot, only to be outmaneuvered by Undav's follow-up.
For Stuttgart's Undav, who had replaced the injured Füllkrug, it was his first goal in his fourth international appearance. But he wasn't finished yet. After Andrich shifted the ball to the left, the Dutch defense lost consistency yet again. Raum crossed the ball to Undav, who set up Kimmich for his seventh international goal and his first as captain.
Germany's lead was fortunate and brief. Nagelsmann brought on Waldemar Anton for Tah, but the security didn't return. Especially Brobbey caused problems for the Germans. The strong Ajax striker set up Dumfries for the goal after a quick turnover against Schlotterbeck. Havertz had a golden opportunity to regain the lead, but like against Hungary, the Arsenal striker lacked a killer instinct (52.). Raum also missed a big chance with his header (71.).
Both teams played aggressively, and it turned physical. However, Nagelsmann's team managed to hold their ground and secure the point with great effort.
Despite the early setback due to a rapid Dutch goal, the League of Nations tournament provided an opportunity for the German team to showcase their resilience. Nagelsmann, acknowledging the Dutch counter-attacking skills, attempted to devise strategies to contain them, despite some initial defensive struggles.
