Germany 2-1 Netherlands: Late Fullkrug header earns Die Mannschaft comeback victory
Niclas Fullkrug scored in the 85th minute to give Euro 2024 hosts Germany a 2-1 comeback victory over the Netherlands in an international friendly on Tuesday, making it two wins in two matches in the last four days.
The result boosted the Germans' confidence following Saturday's 2-0 victory over France, as they look to field a battle-worthy team for the tournament on home soil after years of disappointing international performances.
Julian Nagelsmann, who took over as coach in September, won back-to-back games for the first time in six internationals.
"This win does us a lot of good," Nagelsmann said. "We played well, won possession and we adapted our game in terms of positions a bit."
"The second half, it could have gone the other way but the last 15 minutes belonged to us."
"I think the spirit of the team is really good. The mix is good. It is more comfortable to go into this break with two wins. It was confirmation that we can not only keep up against some teams but dominate the matches."
Germany had scored after only seven seconds in their 2-0 victory over France on Saturday, but their opponents scored after four minutes, with Joey Veerman volleying in after a mistake by defender Maximilian Mittelstaedt.
The hosts, who had more than 70% possession in the first half hour, equalised seven minutes later, with Mittelstaedt firing a perfectly curled shot into the top corner.
Nagelsmann's team could have scored again in a strong first half, forcing the Dutch to defend deep to relieve pressure.
The tempo dropped significantly after the break, and the visitors began to gain more space, coming close with efforts from Donyell Malen and Memphis Depay.
Jamal Musiala, who has been in excellent form for club and country this season, responded in the 76th minute, forcing a fine save from Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
He came to the rescue minutes later, stopping Thomas Mueller's effort and keeping the Netherlands, who defeated Scotland 4-0 on Friday, in the game.
Verbruggen, however, was beaten in the 85th minute when Fullkrug headed in a corner for his 11th goal in 15 international appearances.
"It was a a friendly match but we all want to win," said Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk. "Ultimately we play to win. It was possible, but in the end it is sad that you concede two goals from set pieces."
The Germans will play Ukraine in Nuremberg on June 3, followed by Greece in Moenchengladbach four days later, in their final friendly before the Euros begin on June 14 with a Group A match against Scotland.
SportsLigue