Germans go Dutch

Gelsenkirchen (Germany): Virgil van Dijk sent the Netherlands into the Nations League semifinals after completing a dramatic comeback from two goals down with a 91st-minute equaliser that saw the Dutch snatch 2-2 draw away to Germany on Monday.

The Dutch advance from the tough three-team Group A1 at the expense of world champions France after scoring twice in the final six minutes in Gelsenkirchen as Germany were punished for not being clinical enough in the second half.

Liverpool defender Van Dijk fired home to complete the Dutch fight back after Quincy Promes pulled one back on 85 minutes following Timo Werner and Leroy Sane’s first-half goals for Germany.

The draw was enough to send the Dutch into the Nations League knockout stages as Group One winners, with France second, while bottom side Germany were already relegated to the ‘B’ league ahead of Monday’s clash.

Koeman’s side showed plenty of heart against the Germans, who were 2-0 up after just 20 minutes.

Thomas Mueller reached the milestone of 100 Germany appearances as a second-half replacement.

The trio of Serge Gnabry, Sane and Werner, so effective in Thursday’s 3-0 friendly win over Russia, again caused the Dutch defence no end of problems in the opening 45 minutes.

The Dutch scored from their first real attack when Promes curled his shot home on 85 minutes after sustained pressure from the hosts.

The scene was set for Van Dijk to complete the fairytale comeback when he produced a thumping finish to delight travelling fans just before the final whistle.