Germany Fights Back for Draw with Netherlands

Germany conceded their earliest goal in 50 years but managed to recover, taking the lead at halftime before settling for a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their Nations League match on Tuesday.

The Netherlands took the lead just 99 seconds into the game, with Tijjani Reijnders scoring the quickest goal Germany has conceded in five decades. Despite the early setback, Germany gradually found their footing and went ahead with two goals in seven minutes from Deniz Undav and new captain Joshua Kimmich before the break.

After halftime, Denzel Dumfries, who had missed a crucial chance earlier, equalized for the Netherlands in the 51st minute. Both teams had further opportunities to score, including a notable miss by Kai Havertz from close range, but the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

Germany and the Netherlands entered the match following significant victories in their Nations League group. Germany had defeated Hungary 5-0, while the Netherlands had beaten Bosnia and Herzegovina 5-2.

Striker Niclas Fuellkrug's late withdrawal led Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann to start Deniz Undav, rather than reverting Kai Havertz to the center-forward position. This marked Undav's first start for Germany.

The Netherlands capitalized on an early opportunity as Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch found Reijnders behind Germany's high defensive line. Reijnders calmly finished past Marc-André ter Stegen to give the Netherlands a lead.

Germany responded in the 38th minute when Undav scored from a rebound of a Florian Wirtz shot. Just before halftime, Kimmich scored from an Undav pass, giving Germany a brief advantage.

The Netherlands restored parity shortly after the break, with Dumfries scoring from a Jamal Musiala error in the box. A minute later, Wirtz set up Havertz with an open goal chance, but Havertz's shot went over the bar.

Both teams end the international break level on points, with Germany leading on goal difference.