Germany took on the Netherlands on Tuesday night as both sides gave it their all for their second group-stage game in the Nations League. The fact that both teams had scored five goals in the first game of their respective campaigns meant that fans were expecting goals. The fixture did not disappoint as either side scored twice to end the game 2-2.
Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring early on in the second minute of the game. The AC Milan midfielder was put through on goal by a sublime play courtesy of Liverpool forward Ryan Gravenberch. The former expertly beat German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to give his side the early lead. Germany responded before half-time, as Deniz Undav fired in a rebound past Bart Verbruggen.
Joshua Kimmich then helped turn the tide in his team’s favor, when he converted an easy tap-in in front of the goal. The high-octane fixture wasn’t done yet, as Denzel Dumfries pulled his side back into the game just five minutes after the start of the second half.
After a nervy second half, both sides settled on a point as Germany topped the group on goal difference.
Manchester City dealt significant blow as Nathan Ake stretchered out against Germany
Nathan Ake is one of the regular starters under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The Spaniard often relies on the Dutchman to fulfill both defensive and attacking responsibilities throughout the season. Although Guardiola’s switching to a back three has relegated the player to a secondary role, his injury against Germany is concerning for City fans nonetheless.
The Dutchman was stretchered off the pitch in the 45th minute, after suffering a serious muscular injury. Even though the injury was non-contact, Ake was in tears after being unable to continue. City are set to take on rivals Arsenal in the Premier League on the 22nd of September, although the Gunners appear to have more absentees due to injury.
Captain Martin Odegaard was also reduced to tears against Austria after the midfielder sprained his ankle and was helped off the pitch. Ake will fly to Manchester tomorrow and will be assessed by City staff. Guardiola and co. are currently at the top of the table after winning all three of their games in the League this season.