A rousing UEFA Nations League clash at Johan Cruijff Arena ended all-square between the Netherlands and Germany, who are now tied at the top of League A Group 3 on four points following a 2-2 draw.
The mostly orange-clad fans in Amsterdam were treated to a frantic first half, in which Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring within two minutes, before momentum turned and the visitors struck twice to turn the game on its head.
It appeared that it might be more of the same after the break, as Denzel Dumfries sprinted forward from full-back to pull the hosts back on level terms against their old rivals, as a breathless encounter showed no signs of slowing.
However, the spoils were shared in a sometimes spiky contest, during which neither side spared themselves for their imminent return to club football.
Germany had pulled themselves back into it when Deniz Undav netted his first international goal by following up a saved shot from Florian Wirtz; and soon after Dutch defender Nathan Ake was taken off injured, Joshua Kimmich popped up to convert the visitors' second.
A cross deflected into the path of Germany's captain by Undav was duly converted from close range, and that stoppage-time strike set up a potentially grandstand second half.
Both teams had smashed five past their opening opponents, but they then missed a hatful of chances to score more in the Dutch capital, as only Dumfries' 50th-minute leveller ultimately found the net.
Finally, the tempo dipped when heading into the final half-hour, and a series of substitutions seemed to signal both managers would be happy with a point - after all, Hungary and Bosnia-Herzegovina are the other teams in Group 3, and the top two will both go through to the quarter-finals.
Nonetheless, this game leaves fans and neutrals alike in eager anticipation of these sides' next Nations League meeting, just over a month from now.
NETHERLANDS VS. GERMANY HIGHLIGHTS
Making us smile, again! 😁🧡#NothingLikeOranje #NEDGER pic.twitter.com/MXwZEPxDmx
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) September 10, 2024
Tijjani Reinders goal vs. Germany (2nd min, Netherlands 1-0 Germany)
After Brian Brobbey and Ryan Gravenberch combined smartly in midfield, the latter released a defence-splitting pass for Reijnders to open the scoring within just two minutes of kickoff.
The midfielder coolly slotted the ball beneath Marc-Andre ter Stegen and put his country in front by scoring in back-to-back internationals for the very first time.
Deniz Undav goal vs. Netherlands (38th min, Netherlands 1-1 Germany)
After coming close on a couple of occasions, Germany got back on level terms with half time approaching. Kai Havertz and Undav combined to feed Wirtz, whose angled effort was parried by Bart Verbruggen; Undav followed up the rebound to make it 1-1.
Joshua Kimmich goal vs. Netherlands (45+3 min, Netherlands 1-2 Germany)
Germany turned it around right on half time, as a David Raum cross was glanced on by Undav, and captain Kimmich arrived to fire it home from close range.
Denzel Dumfries goal vs. Germany (50th min, Netherlands 2-2 Germany)
Soon after the action resumed, the Netherlands drew themselves level again, as Brobbey held off the challenge of Nico Schlotterbeck and his low cross was converted by raiding full-back Dumfries. Left unmarked, he tapped in from close range to send the home fans wild.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Deniz Undav
© Imago
Brought into the side as cover for the injured Niclas Fullkrug, not only did Undav manage to net his first goal for Germany to open the scoring, but he also played a part in Kimmich's second.
While Wirtz, Simons, Gravenberch and several others impressed, the unheralded Stuttgart striker was clinical when it mattered and covered plenty of ground as the Germans pressed from the front.
Undoubtedly, head coach Julian Nagelsmann will feel his faith was repaid, having had the option to use Havertz as a false nine instead.
NETHERLANDS VS. GERMANY MATCH STATS
Possession: Netherlands 40%-60% Germany
Shots: Netherlands 11-21 Germany
Shots on target: Netherlands 4-5 Germany
Corners: Netherlands 7-10 Germany
Fouls: Netherlands 7-13 Germany
BEST STATS
50 - Germany conceded their fastest goal (Reijnders after 1:39 min) since 50 years, when Johan Neeskens scored also for the Netherlands against Germany at the World Cup 1974 after 1:26 min. Deja-Vu. pic.twitter.com/jqw1XoN50l
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) September 10, 2024
1:39 – After 1 minute and 39 seconds, The Netherlands have scored their fastest goal since 7 September 2021 (Davy Klaassen after 0:55 against Turkey). Blitz. pic.twitter.com/Zf0q7FUFL7
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) September 10, 2024
WHAT NEXT?
During next month's international period, Germany will first host Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the Netherlands must visit Hungary. Then, these teams reconvene in Munich, on October 14.
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