Netherlands 2-2 Germany: Rivals play out breathless Nations League draw

The Netherlands and Germany played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in their second Nations League Group A3 fixture in Amsterdam on Tuesday.

Goals from Deniz Undav and Joshua Kimmich saw Julian Nagelsmann’s side fight back to lead after they fell behind to Tijjani Reijnders’ second-minute strike, only for Denzel Dumfries to level five minutes into the second half and keep the sides locked level on four points.

Ronald Koeman’s side did suffer a major injury blow late in the first half, though, with Manchester City’s Nathan Ake substituted after sustaining an apparent foot injury.

The hosts made a lightning start at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Ryan Gravenberch sliding a neat throughball into the path of Reijnders, who made no mistake when one-on-one with Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The Oranje twice went close to extending their lead, Dumfries somehow heading Xavi Simons’ free-kick wide before the latter was denied by Ter Stegen, and they were punished for their wastefulness after 38 minutes.

Florian Wirtz saw a close-range effort parried by Bart Verbruggen, but Undav was ideally placed to volley home the rebound, shortly before Ake was carried off on a stretcher following a clash with Kimmich.

Dumfries made a vital intervention to deny David Raum as the momentum swung in Germany’s favour, and they took the lead three minutes into first-half stoppage time.

Undav was involved again, steering Raum’s cross back into the centre for captain Kimmich to lash home from close range.

1+1 – Deniz Undav is the first player to score and assist in his first start for Germany since Amin Younes 2017 against San Marino. Statement. #NEDGER pic.twitter.com/AIjZ17nEvr

— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) September 10, 2024

The Netherlands, however, refused to lie down and started the second half almost as quickly as they began the first. Brian Brobbey was played in behind by Simons, and his cutback was turned home by Dumfries to make it 2-2 after 50 minutes.

Ter Stegen kept out Gravenberch’s long-range strike, while Raum sent a header over from a good position, but neither side could find a winner.

Data Debrief: Undav’s first impression

Undav has looked a player reborn since he swapped Brighton for Stuttgart, initially on loan, ahead of the 2023-24 season.

He scored 18 goals in 30 Bundesliga appearances as Sebastian Hoeness’ men stunned Bayern Munich to finish as runners-up last term, and on Tuesday, he was rewarded with his first Germany start.

Undav repaid Nagelsmann’s faith, becoming the first player to both score and assist on their first start for Germany since Amin Younes in 2017, versus San Marino.