A late Niclas Fullkrug goal gave Germany a dramatic 2-1 win over the Netherlands, as the historic rivals locked horns once again to close out the final international break before Euro 2024 this summer.

Julian Nagelsmann named an unchanged starting XI following his side’s victory over France, whereas the Netherlands experimented heavily with their line-up. Despite the Dutch taking the lead after just four minutes through Joey Veerman, the German’s cohesion showed and the hosts dominated much of the first half.

A Maximilian Mittelstadt wonder strike from the edge of the box brought the hosts level just moments after going behind. However, Gundogan and Havertz weren’t as clinical with their other opportunities, ensuring the sides went into the break level.

The second half was a very different affair as the Dutch came out with a newfound rhythm and intensity, with both Memphis Depay and Donyell Malen coming close to giving the away side the lead. Yet, they were made to rue their missed chances as a late Germany onslaught resulted in a scruffy Fullkrug header which crept over the line by mere centremetres.

The win concludes a very successful international break for the Germans, who can boast wins over France and now the Netherlands heading into Euro 2024. For the Dutch this is their first defeat since October, and gives Ronald Koeman much to consider before the finals this summer.

German football has had little to be proud of over the last few years. A crushing early World Cup exit, followed by Hansi Flick’s sacking to then sinking to 16th in the FIFA World Rankings, has soured the mood going into Euro 2024.

However, impressive victories over France and the Netherlands will give hope to fans throughout Germany as, once again, their side looked well coached and almost back to their unbeatable best. Could playing on home soil give this German team the edge to do the unexpected this summer?

The Bayern Munich man was at his scintillating best again. Seemingly having a free role as part of the front four, the attacking midfielder was at the heart of everything good from Germany. The 21-year-old was assertive when wanting the ball and purposeful when he had it. He could be accused of being a tad wasteful at times, but is quite clearly Germany’s main man in the forward line.

Germany: Ter Stegen 6, Kimmich 6, Tah 7, Rudiger 7, Mittelstaedt 8, Kroos 6, Andrich 6, Musiala 8, Gunogan 7, Wirtz 7, Havertz 6. Subs: Gross 5, Fuhrich 6, Muller 5, Fulkrug 6, Raum 5, Henrichs 5.

Netherlands: Verbruggen 8, De Ligt 6, Van Dijk 7, Ake 6, Dumfries 7, Schouten 6, Veerman 7, Blind 6, Reijnders 4, Depay 6, Malen 5. Subs: Timber 5, De Roon 5, Weghorst 5, Gakpo 6, Simons 5, Wieffer 5.

4’ GOAL! GERMANY 0-1 NETHERLANDS (VEERMAN) – Out of nowhere the Netherlands have the lead. Their first foray into the Germany box, Depay tees it up and Veerman strides onto the ball and guides it low into the bottom corner!

11’ GOAL! GERMANY 1-1 NETHERLANDS (MITTELSTAEDT) – What strike from the full back to get his first goal for his country! It’s a short corner which is played to Mittelstaedt on the edge of the box who curls it perfectly into the top corner.

85’ GOAL! GERMANY 2-1 NETHERLANDS (FULLKRUG) – After much confusion the goal is given and Germany have the lead! They had been piling on the pressure and Fullkrug met the ball with his shoulder from a corner. It bounces towards the bottom corner, Verbruggen thinks he has kept it out but referee checks his watch and the ball is over the line!