- The German football squad is set to draw in the Netherlands.
Initial surprise, followed by determination and a draw: following the quickest goal against them in fifty years, the national team overcame substantial defensive challenges to secure a point in the Netherlands. Utilizing high defensive risk and immense passion, Julian Nagelsmann's squad, featuring Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, managed a 2:2 (2:1) draw in Amsterdam.
Deniz Undav (38th minute) marked his debut for the national team, filling in for the injured Niclas Füllkrug, while Joshua Kimmich (45+3) turned the game around before the half, but Denzel Dumfries (50th minute) equalized with another swift Dutch goal in front of 50,109 spectators at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
The Dutch prove to be a stubborn opponent
Just three days after their 5:0 victory over Hungary, the Dutch demonstrated to be a formidable adversary in the top match of Group 3 in the Nations League. Despite the draw, the German team remains at the top of the table and will face the Dutch once more in Munich (14th October) after the game in Bosnia and Herzegovina (11th October). A victory could secure a position in the quarterfinals.
Nagelsmann can be happy with his team's recovery after the home European Championship. Against the Netherland's team, coached by Ronald Koeman, there was little magic, but the team showed resilience.
Early stumble for the German team "We want to attempt to create a moment that will be remembered," Nagelsmann had stated. However, the team encountered a daunting reality under the arena's closed roof due to stormy weather. The Dutch team caught the German defense off guard near the opening whistle. A lengthy pass from goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was chest-passed by Brian Brobbey to former Bayern player Ryan Gravenberch, whose through ball completely exposed the German defense.
Swiftest goal against the German team in fifty years
This resulted in the swiftest goal against the German team in fifty years. In the 1974 World Cup final against the Netherlands, Johan Neeskens had scored even earlier, just 86 seconds into the match.
The Dutch's aggressive counter-pressing caused significant challenges for the German team. Despite Nagelsmann's warnings, the German defense couldn't cope with the Dutch's swift transitions, leaving gaps in the defensive line. Both central defenders, Nico Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah, received yellow cards within the first twenty-five minutes. In midfield, Robert Andrich and Pascal Groß had trouble maintaining control.
Considering the high risk in the German team's play, things could have worsened. Denzel Dumfries could have increased the lead with a header (15th minute) and Xavi Simons could have scored from close range (21st minute). Nagelsmann and co-trainer Sandro Wagner were forced to find solutions on the bench.
Debut goal for Undav
A year ago, under the previous coach Hansi Flick, the German team might have disintegrated following a subpar performance. However, the team has thrived under Nagelsmann since the successful home European Championship, in part due to the contributions of Musiala and Wirtz, who yet again proved to be the crucial figures in the decisive match.
The Dutch also contributed a little. Musiala intercepted a weak pass from his former Bayern teammate Matthijs de Ligt. The ball then reached Wirtz via Havertz and Undav. Verbruggen managed to save Wirtz's shot, but couldn't prevent Undav's follow-up.
For Stuttgart's representative, who had replaced the injured Niclas Füllkrug, it was his first goal in his fourth international match. But that wasn't all. After a ball shift from Andrich to the left side, the home team's defense was shaky once more. Raum intercepted the ball and passed it to Undav, who set up Kimmich. It was Kimmich's seventh goal in his 93rd international match, but his first as captain.
The halftime lead was fortunate - and short-lived. Nagelsmann brought on Waldemar Anton for Tah, but security didn't return. Especially Brobbey caused major issues for the Germans. The powerful Ajax striker also set up Dumfries for the goal after a swift turnover against Schlotterbeck. Havertz had a great chance to regain the lead, but lacked the necessary instinct, as he did against Hungary (52.). Raum also missed a significant opportunity with his header (71.).
Both teams didn't shy away from physicality. At least Nagelsmann's team managed to limit further damage and secured the point through hard work.
In response to the swift Netherland's attack, Nagelsmann's squad momentarily struggled at the 'The lightning gate', leading to the swiftest goal against Germany in fifty years. Despite this early setback, Undav's debut goal for the national team, assisted by Musiala and Wirtz, helped restore some momentum for the German team.
