Marc-André ter Stegen looked at home in Amsterdam on Thursday night, even if the occasion was larger than a familiar stadium. Germany’s new first-choice goalkeeper produced a composed display in a 1-1 Nations League draw with the Netherlands at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
The 34-year-old has joined Ajax this summer and returned to a ground he now knows well. But this was also the first clear statement of his new role with Germany, following Manuel Neuer’s international retirement after the World Cup.
Quick facts
- Germany drew 1-1 with the Netherlands in the Nations League.
- Ter Stegen made key saves from Crysencio Summerville, Cody Gakpo, Mexx Meerdink and Ruben van Bommel.
- Gakpo scored the Dutch equaliser in the second minute of added time.
- Ter Stegen is set to start against Greece on Sunday at 20:45.
- Jonas Urbig is expected to play in Germany’s following two Nations League matches.
Jürgen Klopp has restored Ter Stegen to the squad and handed him the No. 1 shirt after years spent behind Neuer. Germany arrived with 16 uncapped players, including several barely out of their teens, but the veteran goalkeeper brought calm to a side still adjusting to a new cycle.
His evening began with a series of important interventions. Ter Stegen denied Summerville in the 41st minute, then stopped Gakpo shortly afterwards, before keeping out Meerdink twice after the interval, in the 62nd and 74th minutes.
Van Bommel was also frustrated late on, with Ter Stegen making another save in the 89th minute. He was alert on his line and quick across the goal, while his distribution was generally assured despite one uncertain moment around the 42nd minute.
Germany’s goalkeeper was finally beaten at 90+2. Van Bommel initiated the move and Gakpo finished from close range to earn the Netherlands a draw, but the late concession did little to diminish Ter Stegen’s performance.
The match marked a welcome change after a difficult previous campaign for the former Barcelona goalkeeper. Injuries disrupted his time at Barcelona and then Girona, where he had been on loan, before his move to Ajax offered him a route back to regular football.
Ter Stegen will remain in goal when Germany face Greece on Sunday. Klopp’s plan then calls for Urbig to take over for the following two Nations League fixtures, part of a succession plan — though Thursday suggested the new No. 1 is in no hurry to step aside.
