Xavi sees ‘superior’ Netherlands in second half against Germany

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Xavi believed his Netherlands team deserved more than a point in their Nations League opener against Germany following a “superior” performance in the second half.

The former Barcelona boss made his Netherlands bow at Johan Cruijff Arena on Thursday, with his team playing out a 1-1 draw against Jurgen Klopp’s Germany. 

Felix Nmecha had given Germany a 32nd-minute lead when he finished past Bart Verbruggen, though the hosts felt that Brian Brobbey had been fouled in the build-up. 

But the Netherlands dominated after the break, with Denzel Dumfries denied by Marc-Andre ter Stegen before Mexx Meerdink’s goal was disallowed for a foul by Virgil van Dijk. 

However, Xavi’s side were able to get the goal their performance merited in second-half stoppage time when Cody Gakpo brilliantly volleyed Ruben van Bommel’s cross home.

The Netherlands improved their expected goals (xG) total from 0.57 to 2.61 in the second half, while also having more shots (14 to five), more big chances (five to none) and touches in the opposition box (26 to 11) than their opponents. 

In fact, the Oranje recorded an overall expected goals (xG) total of 3.18 to Germany’s 1.45 xG. It was the first time they had registered above 3.0 in that metric against a nation ranked inside the top 30 of the FIFA rankings since June 2019. 

“We were a bit nervous in the first half,” Xavi said. “So at half-time, I said that we had to show more personality. I asked for more ambition.

“I saw that in the second half. I’m glad that the players realised after the break that we were superior.

“We deserved more than this. We created a lot of chances, put on good pressure and took a lot of initiative.

“I’m less happy with the number of lost duels, I’m not happy about that. But I have a good feeling about it.

“The debutants also did a great job. Mexx Meerdink was easy to play and fought continuously, and Ruben van Bommel filled in excellently with his ball conquest and assist.”

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) September 24, 2026

But there was concern for Xavi following the stalemate, with Brobbey replaced in the 35th minute by Meerdink because of what appeared to be an injury to his hamstring. 

The Sunderland striker arrived into the international break fresh from scoring a hat-trick against Manchester City, but it remains to be seen how severe the injury is.

Xavi confirmed that Brobbey would take no further part in the rest of the Netherlands’ fixtures, and he revealed another striker would be called up to fill that gap in the final third. 

“Brian is indeed injured, unfortunately, so we will call up another striker. We haven’t decided who yet. I haven’t had time for that yet,” Xavi said of Brobbey’s issue. 

Brobbey’s injury led to Germany’s opening goal, with the Netherlands frustrated by their opponents, who appeared as though they were going to kick the ball out of play. 

However, Nadiem Amiri and Joshua Kimmich instead kept the attack going, and Nmecha swept home after Nathaniel Brown’s cross into the penalty area was flicked into his path.

“I think it’s normal to stop when a player is injured on the ground, although there are no rules for it. They didn’t do that, that’s not sporting,” Gakpo said of Germany’s goal. 

“We were pushing and we had opportunities. And that we still managed to score an equaliser, is nice.”

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