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Klopp All Smiles After Germany Debut, Haaland Keeps Scoring in Nations League
On Thursday, Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo scored a stoppage-time volley to secure a 1-1 draw against Germany in their UEFA Nations League opener at the Johan Cruyff Arena, denying Germany coach Jurgen Klopp a debut victory.
Both nations entered the fixture seeking revitalization under new leadership after disappointing round-of-32 World Cup exits, with Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez managing his first match and Klopp overseeing Germany for the first time.
Germany took a 32nd-minute lead through Felix Nmecha, while the Netherlands saw captain Virgil van Dijk's 16th-minute header ruled out following a VAR review for a foul by Brian Brobbey, Netherlands striker.
Injuries sidelined Germany forward Kai Havertz and midfielder Jamal Musiala, while Brobbey also left the field early in a bruising contest that featured scuffles and physical tension between the rivals.
Klopp's unconventional strategy for this international window involves evaluating 44 players across two squads to manage workloads and build depth before Germany hosts Greece on Saturday to continue their Nations League campaign.