Gakpo’s Late Volley Earns Xavi’s Netherlands Draw Against Germany
Cody Gakpo’s stoppage-time volley rescued a draw for the Netherlands against Germany, bringing a dramatic end to Xavi’s first match in charge and giving the new coach encouragement ahead of Sunday’s Nations League trip to Serbia.
Match facts
| Item | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Late goal | Cody Gakpo | Injury-time volley from Ruben van Bommel’s cross |
| Disallowed goals | Two | Efforts from Virgil van Dijk and Mexx Meerdink were ruled out |
| Injury news | Brian Brobbey | Will miss the remaining three fixtures of the international window |
The Netherlands endured a difficult opening spell, with Xavi acknowledging that his players showed understandable nerves in their first outing under a new manager. His side improved markedly after the interval, however, and the coach believed they had done enough to win the contest.
Gakpo ensured they at least came away with a point when he struck late on. Ruben van Bommel supplied the delivery from which the forward met the ball with a powerful volley in added time, completing the Dutch fightback.
Xavi was particularly pleased by the influence of the players introduced from the bench, as well as those making their debuts. He said the team had displayed greater personality, ambition and intent in the second half, which he identified as the standard his side must maintain.
There remained issues for the Netherlands to address, with Xavi pointing to second balls, physical duels and defensive work as areas requiring improvement. Even so, he described the performance after the break as a clear indication of the style he wants the team to establish.
The match also contained two contentious Dutch disallowed goals. Virgil van Dijk had a first-half header ruled out after Brian Brobbey was judged to have fouled Germany goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. Xavi disagreed with that decision and felt the goal should have been allowed.
Later, substitute Mexx Meerdink saw an effort cancelled following a crowded and chaotic sequence inside the Germany penalty area. Those decisions added frustration to an evening that otherwise gave the new Netherlands coach a positive start.
Xavi thanked the supporters for the reception he received in his first game, calling the atmosphere exceptional. The result was tempered, though, by Brobbey’s first-half injury. The striker was forced off and will not take part in the Netherlands’ other three Nations League matches during the current international block.
A replacement forward will be added to the squad shortly as the Netherlands prepare for a demanding run of fixtures. Their immediate task is an away meeting with Serbia on Sunday, when Xavi will expect the intensity and control shown after half-time against Germany to carry into the next test.
