AMSTERDAM – The Netherlands and Germany drew 1-1 in a friendly match in Amsterdam on Tuesday.
Both teams had already qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and started the match with confidence, said Xinhua. The Netherlands beat Denmark 4-2 on Saturday with a new 3-4-1-2 system, and Germany booked their eighth consecutive win under new coach Hansi Flick that same day, winning 2-0 against Israel.
However, the visitors looked most comfortable on the ball in the Johan Cruyff Arena, while the home team struggled to find its rhythm as Germany disturbed the buildup by the Dutch. Although Germany had the best of the play, both teams had chances to score.
Leroy Sane, Kai Havertz and Ilkay Gundogan had opportunities for Germany, while Donyell Malen, Matthijs de Ligt and Tyrell Malacia missed the target for the Netherlands. With Timo Werner heading onto the crossbar, Germany were close to a goal and netted on the stroke of half-time.
Nineteen-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala, who had an outstanding first half, crossed for Thomas Muller to hit home the opening goal, also his 43rd goal for the national team.
With Georginio Wijnaldum on for Teun Koopmeiners at the start of the second half, Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal hoped to change the course of the game, but Germany lifted the tempo and had chances through David Raum and Leroy Sane.
After a quarter of German domination, the Dutch gained more control and even found a hole in the German defence. Frenkie de Jong found Denzel Dumfries in the Germany penalty area, the defender headed back and substitute Steven Bergwijn hit home the equalising goal. For Bergwijn it was his fourth goal in three consecutive matches for the Netherlands.
Shortly afterwards the referee awarded the home side a penalty when Memphis Depay seemed to be brought down by Thilo Kehrer, though he reversed his decision following a VAR intervention. The Netherlands came close to a second goal, but Germany rode their luck and held on for the draw.
The result sees winning streaks come to an end for both teams. The Netherlands had 11 international home wins in a row, and Germany failed to win for the first time after eight consecutive victories under Flick.
