Germany stunned by late equaliser
Germany were comfortably ahead against the Netherlands, but squandered the lead in injury time.
It looked like Germany would round off an underwhelming year with a convincing win against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League tonight, but towards the end, 'Die Mannschaft' squandered the lead to draw 2-2 at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen.
Löw made three changes from the team that beat Russia 3-0 in a friendly last week. Mats Hummels and Toni Kroos stepped into the line-up instead of Matthias Ginter and Kai Havertz to add valuable experience to the team.
Furthermore, Nico Schulz started on the left wing-back instead of Jonas Hector who picked up a knock against Russia.
Germany only needed nine minutes to bring themselves ahead in a first half in which the Netherlands hardly produced any chances. Serge Gnabry flicked the ball on to Timo Werner who brought it under control and smashed it past Jasper Cillessen with a stunning strike from around 25 yards out.
The lead was doubled 10 minutes later. Toni Kroos lifted the ball over the Dutch defence with a beautiful pass to find Leroy Sané. The Manchester City winger then turned inside the penalty area and took a shot which hit Kenny Tete slightly before rolling into the net.
With 40 minutes on the clock, Serge Gnabry could have made it 3-0, but the 23-year-old headed just wide after Nico Schulz had swung in a cross. Shortly after, Leroy Sané, who had a very impressive game, danced though several Dutch defenders before finding Gnabry in the box, but the Bayern München star couldn't find the space he needed to take a shot at goal.
After the break, Timo Werner had a couple of great opportunities to increase the lead as he used his pace well on the counter, but the RB Leipzig striker was let down by his finishing.
Löw used all his three substitutions during the second half with Thomas Müller coming on to the pitch for his 100th appearance for Germany. Marco Reus, who missed the Russia game with a bruised foot, also came on along with Leon Goretzka.
Towards the end, Memphis Depay showed his class as he drove the ball well forward before testing Manuel Neuer, but the Bayern keeper kept out his shot.
However, Neuer was left chanceless as Quincy Promes got a goal back for the Netherlands after 84 minutes. The 26-year-old curled the ball around the Bayern veteran after the German defence failed to clear the ball.
In injury time, things got worse for Germany as Virgil van Dijk was allowed to equalise inside the box and earn 'Oranje' a draw.
Before tonight's match, it was already clear that Germany are relegated from League A of the UEFA Nations League, but even so, 'Die Mannschaft' must be disappointed that tonight's game didn't end with a win.