Germany beats Holland in Euro qualifier thriller

Amsterdam: Nico Schulz scored a last-minute winner as Germany gained revenge over the Netherlands with a thrilling Euro 2020 qualifying victory in Amsterdam yesterday. The Dutch reached the Nations League finals by scoring twice in the final five minutes in November, relegating Germany to Group B in the process.

They hit back from 2-0 behind again through Matthijs de Ligt’s header and Memphis Depay’s drilled finish in the second period.

Leroy Sane had confidently slotted in the opener following De Ligt’s slip and Serge Gnabry curled in a superb second for the visitors, before midfielder Schulz stroked in late on.

Northern Ireland capitalised by beating Belarus 2-1 at Windsor Park to win their opening two games and top Group C. Ronald Koeman’s side, who have also played twice, drop to third place following their agonising loss against Germany, who have only played once.

Germany are looking to herald in a new era after a shock group-stage exit at the 2018 World Cup, dispensing with the services of experienced Bayern Munich trio Thomas Muller, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels earlier this month.

They were booed off by their own fans after Wednesday’s 1-1 friendly draw against Serbia in Wolfsburg and it was looking like being another poor result, but Schulz’s goal gave them just their second victory in their past eight competitive games.

-BBC Sports