AMSTERDAM — Xavi said he felt his Netherlands side had done enough to deserve a win against Germany and that their second-half performance set the benchmark for what he wants to see heading forward after they drew 1-1 with Jurgen Klopp‘s team on Thursday.
This was the first matches in charge for both Xavi and Klopp as their Netherlands and Germany sides played out an entertaining — and heated — draw at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Felix Nmecha opened the scoring for Germany in the 32nd minute, with Cody Gakpo equalising in injury time with an exquisite volley from a pinpoint Ruben van Bommel cross.
Xavi’s positive mood was tempered slightly by seeing his striker Brian Brobbey forced off in the first half. The former Barcelona coach said Brobbey will miss their remaining three Nations League matches in this international block and he will have to call up a replacement.
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But having seen his side go a goal down in the first half, Xavi was delighted with how they battled back after the break.
“We were better than Germany today, we had a bit more. In the second half it was really good — we showed our way to play,” Xavi said. “I’m so happy. The first half was more or less equal. But the players who came into the pitch [as substitutes], I’m so happy, especially those making their debuts. They showed personality, ambition, desire. In the second half is how we must play.”
Xavi said he thought his players were “nervous” playing under a new coach, but he was delighted with their ambition. “The personality of the players, the winning mentality – many things, I have good feelings,” Xavi said.
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Netherlands had two goals disallowed. Virgil van Dijk‘s first-half header off a corner was ruled out for Brobbey’s infringement on Germany goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, while Brobbey’s replacement Mexx Meerdink had his effort chalked off after a hectic melee in the Germany box.
Xavi felt the first should have been allowed, but said they had other chances to claim all three points. He called on his team to improve ahead of their next match away at Serbia on Sunday.
“The first half was not too bad, but the second half is the way we want to play,” Xavi said. “We need to improve in many things — second balls, duels, defending better, many things — but I’m so satisfied.”
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And Xavi was also touched by the welcome he received from the Netherlands fans.
“I am very happy and very grateful as it’s my first game,” Xavi said. “I think maybe I don’t deserve this, but the welcome they showed me was amazing — the atmosphere was fantastic. Thank you to all the people.”
