Cody Gakpo denies former boss Jurgen Klopp a winning debut as Germany head coach

Cody Gakpo denies former boss Jurgen Klopp a winning debut as Germany head coach Cody Gakpo scored a late equaliser to help the Netherlands secure a 1-1 draw against Germany at Johan Cruijff ArenA on Thursday. Felix Nmecha had given Germany the lead in the 32nd minute, drilling his finish into the top corner after the ball fell kindly to him. The Oranje responded positively to going behind but did not draw level until the second half stoppage time. Substitute Ruben van Bommel won the ball from Sergej Gnabry before expertly picking out Gakpo with the outside of his foot. The Liverpool attacker volleyed home, denying former boss Jurgen Klopp a victory on his debut as Germany head coach . Guus Til squandered a good chance to hand the Dutch a dramatic winner, glancing his header wide from Joey Veerman’s cross. The Netherlands were the better side for most of the game and deserved not to lose. Captain Virgil van Dijk thought he had given them the lead early in the first half, rising highest to head a corner into the net, only for his goal to be disallowed. The hosts registered 54 percent possession, compared with Germany’s 46 percent, while they also recorded a higher expected goals figure of 3.12 to 1.50. The Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez will be pleased with his side’s performance, particularly after conceding the opener. Xavi will be hoping they build on this performance when they take on Serbia on Sunday in their second UEFA Nations League fixture.