Xavi's Netherlands debut: 1-1 draw with Germany and praise for his attacking approach
Xavi Hernández started his spell as Netherlands head coach with a 1-1 draw against Germany in the opening round of the Nations League. The game left three injuries and a decisive debut from Ruben van Bommel, who assisted Cody Gakpo's stoppage-time equalizer.
ByJavi
4 min read
Xavi Hernández opened his tenure as Netherlands head coach with a 1-1 draw against Germany, a match that also marked Jürgen Klopp's first game in charge of the German side. The opening round of the Nations League produced a tale of two halves: a nervous Dutch team before the break and a much more attacking side after it. The main negative notes were the injuries to Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala for Germany, and to Brian Brobbey for the Netherlands.
- The Netherlands drew 1-1 with Germany in Xavi's first match as national team coach.
- Ruben van Bommel came on in the 83rd minute and assisted Cody Gakpo for the 92nd-minute equalizer.
- Brian Brobbey picked up an injury and Joshua Zirkzee was called up as his replacement.
- Dutch media criticized the first half but praised the attacking reaction after the interval.
How the Netherlands experienced Xavi's first game against Germany
The draw included a difficult start for the Dutch side, who looked tense during the opening 45 minutes. Germany controlled the tempo and created the better chances, while the Netherlands struggled to settle into the contest. The response came after the break, with a bolder team that pushed higher and looked determined to take control.
Dutch media praise Xavi's attacking approach
The Dutch press agreed on the transformation the team showed in the second half. Outlets such as De Telegraaf and Algemeen Dagblad highlighted the intensity, possession and attacking intent displayed by the side led by the former Barcelona midfielder and coach. The contrast with the first half was clear, and the Netherlands finished the match pressing Germany deep in their own territory.
Ruben van Bommel's dream debut: assist for Gakpo in the 92nd minute
One of Xavi's most praised decisions was introducing the young Ruben van Bommel in the 83rd minute. The 22-year-old, son of former international Mark van Bommel, responded with an outstanding piece of play that ended with the cross for Cody Gakpo to score the equalizer in stoppage time. His impact rescued a match that was slipping away from the Netherlands.
Brobbey's injury and the call-up for Zirkzee
Brian Brobbey could not continue because of a hamstring problem and returned to his club, Sunderland. To cover his absence, Xavi called up Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United, who had not played for the national team since November 2024, when the Dutch faced Bosnia. The forward returns almost two years later to strengthen the attack.
What comes next for the Netherlands in the Nations League
The draw leaves the Netherlands with one point at the start of the group and with encouraging signs ahead of the upcoming fixtures. Xavi's plan is taking shape, and the second half against Germany offers a clear reference for what he wants to build: a dominant, intense team that attacks constantly down the flanks. The immediate challenge is maintaining that level for the full 90 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How did Xavi Hernández do in his Netherlands debut?
Xavi began his tenure with a 1-1 draw against Germany in the first round of the Nations League. The Netherlands struggled in the first half, improved after the break and equalized in the 92nd minute through Cody Gakpo.
What did Ruben van Bommel do against Germany?
He made his senior international debut after coming on in the 83rd minute and provided the assist for the 1-1. The 22-year-old beat his marker on the wing and set up Gakpo's stoppage-time goal.
Why did Joshua Zirkzee return to the Netherlands squad?
He was called up by Xavi to replace Brian Brobbey, who suffered a hamstring injury against Germany. Zirkzee had not played for the national team since November 2024, when the Dutch faced Bosnia.