A big match with a dramatic finish
On 24 September Amsterdam hosted one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of Matchday 1 — Netherlands versus Germany in Group A2. Supporters expected a spectacle and got drama, if not in the style they imagined. Germany took the lead in the 32nd minute — Nmecha converted precisely after a Wirtz pass. The Netherlands searched for an equaliser throughout the second half, but the German wall held firm.
By the 90th minute it looked as though Germany were heading home with three valuable points. But in the 92nd minute of stoppage time, Cody Gakpo rose to meet a cross and headed home to make it 1:1. Amsterdam erupted. Germany were left frustrated. A draw that feels like a defeat for some and a win for others.
Greece lead — the sensation is confirmed
On the same evening, Greece beat Serbia 2:1 in Belgrade and immediately went top of the group. The Netherlands-Germany draw meant that after Matchday 1, Greece led with three points, Netherlands had one, Germany one, Serbia zero. Nobody could have predicted this before the competition began.
What next for Germany?
Germany then lost to Greece again 0:1 in Matchday 2 — after two games they have just one point and are in serious trouble. For Nagelsmann's side this Nations League edition has been a major disappointment so far. The match against Serbia in Matchday 3 (1 October) is absolutely crucial for Germany.