Cody Gakpo struck in the 92nd minute for the Netherlands rescuing a 1-1 draw against Germany in Amsterdam.
The meeting at the Johan Cruijff ArenA marked the start of new eras for both teams, with former Barcelona boss Xavi taking charge of the Netherlands and Klopp beginning his Germany reign.
Germany took the lead through Felix Nmecha after 30 minutes, finishing from close range while Netherlands striker Brian Brobbey was down injured in the Germany half.
The visitors had chances to extend their advantage. Kevin Schade released Karim Adeyemi on a quick counter-attack, but the forward missed with the goal at his mercy.
The Netherlands had also threatened before the break, with Virgil van Dijk having a header ruled out after Brobbey was judged to have impeded Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The hosts increased the pressure after half-time and created several opportunities. Ter Stegen was forced into important saves to keep Germany ahead, including two stops from Netherlands debutant Mexx Meerdink.
Germany struggled to create chances in the second half as Xavi’s side controlled possession and pushed forward.
Their pressure finally paid off in stoppage time when Gakpo produced a superb volley at the back post from Ruben van Bommel’s cross to make it 1-1.
The goal was Gakpo’s sixth in as many international appearances and ensured Klopp had to settle for a point on his Germany debut.
Xavi was pleased with the way his players responded after the interval.
“I was really happy with the late goal. We played a nervous first half, but in the second half we saw the way we wanted to play,” Xavi told NOS.
“We showed personality and energy, and took the initiative. We had plenty of possession and wanted to play attacking football. This is only the beginning, but I’m pleased with tonight’s performance.”
The former Spain and Barcelona midfielder felt the Netherlands had done enough to win.
“We deserved more in the end; we did well, created chances, and applied high pressure, but we lost some duels, which I’m not happy about,” Xavi said.
Klopp, meanwhile, was encouraged by Germany’s performance despite seeing victory slip away late.
“I was very, very, very pleased with a lot of the individual performances. Overall, I was very happy with the passion we showed,” Klopp told RTL.
“We can play better and play more football, that’s for sure. I would have really loved to win, but I’m happy enough with the point.”
Klopp added that the pressure of managing Germany felt familiar despite the significance of the occasion.
“I’ve stood on the touchline more than 1,000 times, so I know the position and that hasn’t changed,” he said.
Germany will return to action against Greece on Sunday as Klopp looks for his first victory in charge.
