Jurgen Klopp was denied a winning start as Germany coach after Cody Gakpo scored a late equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday.
Felix Nmecha put Germany ahead in the 32nd minute after the Netherlands failed to clear a loose ball. Gakpo responded in stoppage time with a powerful volley from a cross by debutant Ruben van Bommel.
The result marked Klopp’s first match in the Germany dugout since replacing Julian Nagelsmann. The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager took charge after Germany suffered a third consecutive early exit at the World Cup.
Germany also faced an early setback when Jamal Musiala suffered an injury during the warm-up. Kai Havertz later left the field after picking up an injury.
Klopp said Germany showed several positive signs but acknowledged there was room for improvement.
“There’s a long list of things that went well,” Klopp told German broadcaster RTL. “I’m very pleased with many individual performances, and with the passion, too. But we can play better football most definitely.”
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Portugal also secured a 1-0 victory over Wales in Lisbon. Joao Felix scored the winner with a deflected long-range effort as new coach Jorge Jesus began his tenure with three points.
Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening. The 41-year-old missed several chances and saw one goal ruled out for offside.
Portugal controlled much of the match and created several opportunities but could not add to Felix’s goal.
In Oslo, Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Denmark 3-2.
Oscar Bobb and Haaland gave Norway a two-goal lead before Mikkel Damsgaard reduced the deficit with a curling free-kick. Rasmus Hojlund then headed Denmark level in the second half.
Haaland restored Norway’s lead with his 64th international goal in 56 appearances. Martin Odegaard provided the assist with a cut-back.
The victory gives Norway momentum ahead of their next Group A4 match against Portugal on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Greece produced a late comeback to beat Serbia 2-1 in Belgrade. Andrija Zivkovic opened the scoring for Serbia before Christos Tzolis equalised for Greece. Substitute Tasos Douvikas then scored deep into stoppage time.
Kosovo edged the Republic of Ireland 1-0 in Pristina in Group B3. Vedat Muriqi scored the decisive goal late in the match.
Austria also began its campaign with a 3-1 victory over Israel in Linz. Israel were reduced to 10 men after Sayed Abu Farchi received a second yellow card while celebrating his equaliser with a gesture involving the corner flag.
