The Netherlands and Germany played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the UEFA Nations League in Amsterdam.

Ronald Koeman’s side made an electrifying start, scoring within two minutes when Tijjani Reijnders collected a through ball from Ryan Gravenberch and fired past Marc André ter Stegen.

Germany equalised seven minutes before half-time when Deniz Undav converted a rebound after a save by Bart Verbruggen. Julian Nagelsmann’s team needed just another eight minutes to take the lead.

David Raum’s pass in front of the goal was touched by Undav and landed in front of the run of Joshua Kimmich, who was at the far post and effortlessly scored to make it 2-1.

Ronald Koeman’s team started the second half with bite and equalised six minutes into the second half when Brian Brobbey found the ball brilliantly in the box for Denzel Dumfries to slot home from close range.

Both teams are still unbeaten in their Nations League group (3) and have four points, with Nagelsmann’s team in first place thanks to the better goal difference. The two nations will face each other again during the international break in October.

When the group stage of the UEFA Nations League was drawn, The was one of the most eye-catching matches, and after their first meeting, the two European heavyweights are still undecided.

Both teams have now played two games, both have won their first game, both have scored a total of seven goals and both have four points.

After a few dismal years in which they disappeared from the scene as one of Europe’s top nations, the Netherlands seem to be back on their feet. Quarter-finalists at the 2022 World Cup, semi-finalists at the 2024 Euros, semi-finalists at the last edition of the UEFA Nations League and now also a good opponent against a heavyweight candidate from Germany: Ronald Koeman’s men are clearly showing good signs.

The rest of Group 3 consists of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary, who drew 0-0 tonight. Both Germany and the Netherlands are counting on good chances of moving from their Nations League group into the knockout rounds relatively easily.

Germany and the Netherlands will face each other again on October 14, 2024.

The Dutch midfielder was outstanding for his country tonight. His assist for Tijjani Reijnders’ opening goal was a fantastic move and he can count himself unlucky not to get another assist after Xavi Simons’ effort was blocked after a sensational pass from Gravenberch. His passes were crisp and precise, 36 of his 40 passes were successful. He won five of his ten duels, made two tackles and intercepted one ball. A very accomplished performance from the Liverpool midfielder both with and without the ball.

Netherlands: Verbruggen 6, Dumfries 7, de Ligt 5, van Dijk 7, Ake 5, Schouten 6, Gravenberch 8, Simons, Reijnders 7, Gakpo 7, Brobbey 8 Submarines: J Timber 6, Q Timber 6, Geertruida 6, van Hecke 6, Weghorst N/A

Germany: ter Stegen 6, Raum 7, Schlotterbeck 7, Tah 6, Kimmich 7, Gross 7, Andrich 7, Wirtz 7, Havertz 7, Musiala 6, Undav 7 Submarines: Anton 6, Pavlovic 6, Beier 6, Can 6, Fuhrich N/A

2′ GOAL! NETHERLANDS – GERMANY 1:0 (REIJNDERS) – What a start for Ronald Koeman’s team! Ryan Gravenberch plays a straight ball through the middle that Tijjani Reijnders collects and then shoots past ter Stegen!

15′ SO CLOSE TO 2-0! – Xavi Simons shoots a fantastic free kick that reaches the unmarked Denzel Dumfries, who heads Only far from the post.

38′ GOAL! NETHERLANDS 1-1 GERMANY (UNDAV) – Germany equalizes! De Ligt loses the ball on the edge of his own penalty area, Havertz finds Wirtz, who fires a shot on goal that Verbruggen saves, but Denis Undav is there to sink the rebound to make it 1-1 in Amsterdam.

45′ GOAL! NETHERLANDS 1-2 GERMANY (ANDRICH) – Germany turned the game around in less than 10 minutes! Raum hits the ball back from the left in front of the goal, Undav follows up and Joshua Kimmich is at the far post and scores to make it 2-1.

50′ GOAL! NETHERLANDS 2-2 GERMANY (DUMFRIES) – The Netherlands are level! The Netherlands win the ball on the edge of the German penalty area, Simons plays the ball to Brobbey who brilliantly fends off a challenge and then kicks the ball across the ground to Dumfires who is there to fire the ball into the empty net!

After 1 minute and 39 seconds, the Netherlands scored their fastest goal since September 7, 2021 (Davy Klaassen after 0:55 against Turkey (via Opta Johan).