Holland head coach Ronald Koeman hailed a “great evening” after the Dutch recorded their first win in Germany for almost 17 years.
Late goals from debutant Donyell Malen and Georginio Wijnaldum sealed a 4-2 victory in Hamburg which puts Koeman’s side right back in contention in Group C qualifying for next year’s European Championship.
Not since November 2002 had Holland beaten their neighbours in their own back yard. That day, they enjoyed a 3-1 success thanks to goals from Patrick Kluivert, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
The win moved the Dutch to within three points of second-placed Germany with a game in hand.
“It is a great evening and we have won very well,” Koeman told onsoranje.nl.
“The difference was that we did more to get the win and it makes the world of difference in the group.
“It is very nice that you know how to win here. We still have to play five games, so we are not there yet. But it makes the road a bit easier.”
Serge Gnabry’s early goal saw Germany lead at half-time but Frenkie De Jong’s strike and a Jonathan Tah own goal turned the game on its head just before the midway point of the second half.
A controversial penalty scored by Toni Kroos levelled things up before Malen quickly restored Holland’s lead with 11 minutes remaining and Wijnaldum made sure of victory in injury time.
Koeman was pleased with the resilience his team showed to come back from a goal down.
“I found Germany very expectant. They have one weapon and that is speed and it can become 2-0 at 1-0,” he said.
“The Germans were just tired in the second half. They didn’t look as good as in the first half, but they had good chances.
“There is faith in this team and that was the message at half time. We said stay in the game, don’t open things up, because there is always a chance of a goal.”
The defeat leaves Germany three points behind group leaders Northern Ireland, who they play next on Monday in Belfast.
Head coach Joachim Low felt Holland deserved to win on the night.
He told www.dfb.de: “I’m disappointed with the result. Netherlands were the better team over the course of 90 minutes. We deserve to lose.
“Unfortunately, I never felt like we had the game under control. We lost too many balls going forward and we never got into the dangerous areas.
“In the second half, the Netherlands applied a lot more pressure, we couldn’t play out way out. Manuel Neuer received a lot of passes and that’s not the game understanding we want to have.”
Kepa Arrizabalaga said the death of Luis Enrique’s daughter made for a difficult build up to Spain’s Euro 2020 qualifying win over Romania.
Spain began life without former coach Enrique by recording a 2-1 success in Bucharest to maintain their 100 per cent record in Group F.
Tragedy struck in the lead up to the game when Enrique, who resigned in June due to family reasons, last week lost nine-year-old daughter Xana following her battle with bone cancer.
Chelsea goalkeeper Arrizabalaga, who ensured his side victory with two vital late saves, said his thoughts were with Enrique and called for Spanish fans to show support for the 49-year-old during Sunday’s qualifier against the Faroe Islands in Gijon.
“We send a very big hug to Luis Enrique in these difficult times,” said Arrizabalaga, according to the Spanish FA’s website.
“It has been a complicated week for everyone.
“You have to look forward. It is not easy, but life sometimes gives you these blows.
“We want to continue adding (against) the Faroe Islands. We must call on the fans of Gijon to honour Luis Enrique.”
There was a minute’s silence in memory of Xana ahead of kick-off in the Romanian capital.
Enrique had been absent for qualifiers against Malta, the Faroe Islands and Sweden earlier this year due to his personal circumstances, before stepping down.
Robert Moreno took charge of the team for the first time as permanent head coach on Thursday, having previously filled in on an interim basis.
Sergio Ramos’ penalty and a strike from Paco Alcacer earned Moreno a debut victory, which was made nervy by Romania substitute Florin Andone halving the deficit with half an hour to play and Diego Llorente’s 79th-minute dismissal.
Arrizabalaga, who was selected ahead of Manchester United’s David De Gea, then twice saved from George Puscas in stoppage time as the visitors hung on.
Moreno praised the crucial late contribution of the 24-year-old.
“I am glad that he helped us in the end, but I am just as happy with the work of others,” said Moreno.
“It is true that it has saved us in the end, and that stands out.
“I encourage everyone to continue working and they will give us joy in the future.”
Spain had looked on course for a comfortable victory after dominating proceedings but were almost made to pay for numerous missed chances.
Moreno added: “In the second half, with the score against them (Romania), they have opened up a little more.
“They are a complicated team and in the end these things happen in football.
“We would like the whole game to have been like the first half but you do not always get that.”
Tom Lawrence has revealed how Frank Lampard helped him through the pain of losing his mother and says the Chelsea manager is “always there” for him.
Lawrence’s mother Deb died when the Wales forward played for Lampard at Derby last season.
“If I ever need anything, he’s always there,” Lawrence said of Lampard, who joined Chelsea after guiding Derby to the Sky Bet Championship play-off final in his one season at the club.
“He was great with me with things that have happened in my personal life at the back end of last year.
“He’s also helped me a lot and I’ll always have great things to say about the gaffer (Lampard).”
Lawrence hopes to win his 20th cap against Azerbaijan on Friday as Wales seek to revive their Euro 2020 qualification hopes.
Wales trail leaders Hungary by six points, albeit with a game in hand, and are three adrift of Croatia and Slovakia in the race for a top-two spot.
But boss Ryan Giggs has been boosted by the fact that Lawrence, Gareth Bale, Daniel James and Harry Wilson have all been among the goals at club level this season.
Bale ended a scoring drought stretching back to March 16 with a brace in Real Madrid’s 2-2 LaLiga draw at Villarreal on Sunday, although Wales’ talisman did blot his copybook by being sent off in stoppage time.
“There’s a few of us pushing for a start on Friday and we’ll all be looking forward to getting on the pitch,” Lawrence said.
“When he (Bale) is playing he’s one of the world’s best. Every time he can get on the pitch for Wales is a bonus.
“It always helps when you’re playing games. When you’re not match-fit it’s never easy to come and play games.
“We can’t leave it all down to Gareth himself, other players have got to chip in and help the team.”
Lawrence has extra motivation to reach next year’s competition as he missed out at Euro 2016 when Wales qualified for their first tournament since 1958 and reached the semi-finals in France.
The 25-year-old tore ankle ligaments having been part of the pre-tournament training squad in Portugal.
“It was a tough time,” Lawrence said. “You’re looking forward to going to the Euros and for that to be halted by an injury is never nice.
“I’d love to play in a major tournament. It was my biggest learning curve in missing the Euros and dealing with that.
“Since then I’ve come on a long way. It would be nice to get in there again.”
Manchester United’s Daniel James celebrates scoring his side’s first goal of the game during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Daniel James will not get carried away after making a sensational start to his Manchester United career, according to former Swansea team-mate Joe Rodon.
James has been the shining light during United’s stuttering early-season performances, scoring three goals in four games since completing a £15million transfer from Swansea this summer.
But the young Wales winger was criticised by many United supporters after his goal celebration during the 2-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace.
After levelling with a brilliant last-minute curler into the top corner, James celebrated by posing with his arms crossed in front of the Stretford End.
Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford cut short the celebrations by reminding James there was still time for a winner, and it was Palace who won the three points with virtually the last kick of the game.
“DJ hasn’t got a bad bone in his body,” said Rodon, who is set to line up alongside James for Wales’ crunch Euro 2020 home qualifier with Azerbaijan on Friday.
“I’ve grown up with Dan in the academy (at Swansea) and he’s a brilliant kid.
“He’s hit the ground running at United and hopefully he can continue to do it.
“It’s a massive club and for him to go there and do that is a credit to him and all of the development over the years.
“Dan’s a very talented and quick player with and without the ball, so hopefully he can be a big player for us.”
Rodon looks likely to partner Chris Mepham in central defence against Azerbaijan in Cardiff and win his first Wales cap.
The 21-year-old has been in outstanding form this season as unbeaten Swansea have set the early pace in the Sky Bet Championship.
“It’s been a great start, but obviously it’s a long season and it’s only going to get tougher for us,” Rodon said.
“But I’ve been lucky enough to hit the ground running, and the team collectively.
“We’re keeping clean sheets and hopefully we can improve game by game.
“Playing every week gives you the best chance of getting called up for your country, so that’s what I want to keep doing.”
Rodon’s season, however, has not all been plain sailing.
He removed himself from social media after receiving abuse following last month’s 3-2 home victory over Preston.
“There was a big palaver about it, but I don’t really use Twitter and I just wanted to get off it,” he said.
“You know you’re going to get abuse and you’ve got to take it on the chin.
“That’s football, it’s part of the job.
“If you can’t deal with criticism it’s pointless being a footballer, because you’re going to get it.”
Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has joined Roma on loan for the rest of the season while full-back Matteo Darmian has swapped Manchester United for Parma.
Mkhitaryan, who moved to the Emirates Stadium in January 2018 from Manchester United, made 59 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, scoring nine goals.
A club statement read: “Everyone at Arsenal wishes Micki all the best for his season with Roma. The loan is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
Darmian, meanwhile, is the fourth player to leave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side for Serie A this summer, with Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez having joined Inter Milan before Chris Smalling made his loan switch to Roma last week.
Darmian has long yearned for a return to Italy and the PA news agency understands Parma are paying around four million euros (£3.6million) for the versatile full-back.
The deal is also believed to include a sell-on clause, with the Italy international signing a deal until 2023 at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.
Darmian joined United in 2015 from Torino in a reported £12.7million deal and went on to represent the club 92 times in all competitions.
Solskjaer confirmed on Friday that a move was on the cards for the full-back and the following day reiterated that Paul Pogba would not be leaving for Real Madrid or anywhere else before the European deadline.
“Paul Pogba will be playing for us,” the United boss said after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Southampton.
Bobby Duncan looks set to complete his Anfield exit (Mike Egerton/PA)
Liverpool have sold youth-team striker Bobby Duncan to Fiorentina after the Serie A side made an offer to buy him permanently.
The PA news agency understands the Italians have paid two million euros (£1.7million) up front with a 20 per cent sell-on fee for the player.
Last week the club were firm in their stance that the 18-year-old, a scorer of 32 goals for the under-18s in his first season since arriving from Manchester City, would not be leaving.
Javier Hernandez has left West Ham for Spanish side Sevilla, with Hammers co-owner David Gold confirming the news on social media.
The official club social channel announced that the Mexican forward had moved to Sevilla on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee.
Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has moved to Azerbaijan outfit Qarabag on loan, while Brighton frontman Florin Andone has joined Turkish champions Galatasaray on a season-long loan.
Brighton have retained an option to recall Andone in January as part of the agreement.
The 26-year-old came off the bench to score in the opening-day win at Watford but was sent off on his first start of the season in the home defeat to Southampton.
Begovic has made 62 appearances for Bournemouth in the Premier League since signing from Chelsea in a £10million deal the summer of 2017.
But he has fallen out of favour and has not featured for Eddie Howe’s side this season with Aaron Ramsdale, Mark Travers and Artur Boruc ahead of him in the pecking order.
Former Tottenham striker Fernando Llorente has joined Serie A side Napoli.
The Spanish forward already has two Scudetto titles from his time in Italy with Juventus between 2013 and 2015.
At the north London side, he scored 13 goals in 66 appearances, including significant goals last season against Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City as Tottenham reached the final of the Champions League.
Llorente had been without a club since he left Spurs at the end of his contract in June.
Chelsea winger Kenedy has completed a season-long loan move to Spanish club Getafe.
The Brazilian, who is in the final year of his contract, spent the last 18 months on loan at Newcastle, where he scored three goals in 41 appearances.
Despite featuring in Chelsea’s pre-season preparations, Kenedy has failed to break into Frank Lampard’s first-team squad for the Premier League campaign.
Since joining the Blues from Fluminense in 2015, Kenedy has made 27 appearances and was an unused substitute in the first two league games of this season.
Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina has joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan.
Lemina, who turned 26 on Sunday, has made 52 appearances since arriving at St Mary’s from Juventus in 2017.
The Gabon international follows former Premier League players Ryan Babel, Steven Nzonzi and Sofiane Feghouli to the Turk Telekom Stadium.
Celtic have signed teenage defender Jeremie Frimpong from Manchester City.
The 18-year-old right-back has agreed a four-year contract with the Scottish champions.
Striker Stefano Okaka has joined Udinese from Watford on a permanent deal.
The 30-year-old has signed a three-year contract, keeping him at the Italian club until 2022.
Okaka spent the second half of last season on loan at Udinese and scored six goals in 16 appearances for the Serie A club.
The Italy international moved to Watford from Anderlecht in 2016 and scored five goals in 39 appearances for the Hornets.
He last played in Italy for Sampdoria, having previously had spells at Parma, Bari, Brescia, Modena and Roma.
Romelu Lukaku was subjected to racial abuse as he scored the penalty that earned new club Inter Milan victory at Cagliari on Sunday.
The former Manchester United striker had monkey noises aimed at him as he stepped up to take the 72nd-minute spot-kick that sealed Inter’s 2-1 win in the Serie A clash at the Sardegna Arena.
The baiting continued as Lukaku celebrated his goal and the Belgian glared at the crowd from where the noises came in response.
Lukaku’s goal was his second in two games since joining Inter from United in the summer having also scored against Lecce last week.
Moise Kean, who is now at Everton, was subjected to racial abuse while playing for Juventus at the same stadium last season.
Inter boss Antonio Conte said he did not hear the abuse directed at Lukaku himself but admitted work needs to be done to combat the issue in Italy.
The former Chelsea manager, in a press conference reported by gazzetta.it, said: “Really, I didn’t hear anything from the bench.
“However, it is true that in general more education is needed in Italy. I have also heard Ancelotti complain about the constant insults received on certain pitches.
“When you are abroad there is more respect, the fans think only of supporting their team.”
Juventus assistant coach Giovanni Martusciello hailed his side’s never-say-die spirit after a late own goal clinched them victory in a seven-goal thriller against Napoli in Turin.
Juve surrendered a 3-0 lead in the second half before Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly’s stoppage-time own goal gifted them victory.
Cristiano Ronaldo looked to have put the game beyond Napoli when he struck Juve’s third goal just after the hour-mark following first-half efforts from substitute Danilo, on his debut, and Gonzalo Higuain, against his former club.
Napoli hit back with two second-half goals in as many minutes from Kostas Manolas and Hirving Lozano and then Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s late equaliser, but Koulibaly turned the ball into his own net in the second minute of added time.
“We had an important physical decline, and against a strong team that dribble like Napoli, that was the thing that put us in difficulty,” Martusciello told a post-match press conference.
“At 3-0 we had a ‘full belly’ and we allowed Napoli to come back. But what really strikes me about this group is the fact that they never give up, and that in moments of difficulty, it brings out something more.”
Juve also handed a debut to Matthijs De Ligt, in place of injured skipper Giorgio Chiellini, and Martusciello was satisfied with the Dutch defender’s first appearance following his £67.5million move from Ajax.
“De Ligt? He comes from a team that defended differently, in a league that is not the Italian one,” Martusciello added.
“He also played well for an hour, then his condition was lacking a bit. But he is a player of the highest level.”
Martusciello has been carrying out media duties in the absence of Maurizio Sarri, who watched Juve beat his former club from the stands following his recovery from pneumonia.
Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti could not hide his disappointment at the manner of his side’s defeat and their performance.
“We conceded two goals with our defence in position. We need to mark tighter in the box,” the former Chelsea manager said.
“This was a missed opportunity tonight. We started playing football after an hour. I would have been disappointed even if we had drawn.
“The comeback is the only positive. I’m disappointed with the overall performance.”
Paris St Germain sporting director Leonardo remains hopeful a deal can still be done for Neymar to leave the club before the transfer window closes.
The Brazilian, who is yet to play this season, has been repeatedly linked with a return to Spain with either former club Barcelona or Real Madrid, but his future remains unresolved.
The European window closes on September 2 and any potential deal will need to be agreed by then.
Leonardo told the club’s official website after the 2-0 win over Metz: “Our position on a potential departure of Neymar is clear, everyone knows what we want.
“We got a first written offer on 27 August and we refused it, the conditions didn’t suit us.
“There are three days until the end of the transfer window, and for the moment, there is no agreement. We’re talking a lot, with Neymar in particular.
“He’s an extraordinary player, I didn’t know him personally before I came back to Paris. He has gone through a lot of things, he’s a football star today, I like him a lot, we have a good relationship with him.”
Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola was also left out against Metz and Leonardo confirmed discussions are taking place over his departure.
He added: “Areola is in talks with another club, he didn’t want to play this evening. We respected his decision. We still don’t know if he’ll leave, everything is still possible.”
Angel Di Maria and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored to send PSG to the top of Ligue 1 with the win over Metz and coach Thomas Tuchel was happy with his side’s display despite the speculation around the club’s players.
He told the club’s official website: “We controlled the game, we were serious and attentive. It was necessary to be today after a week in which a lot has happened.
“We stayed focused, the team put in a great performance, we’re happy.
“(Goalkeeper) Marcin Bulka’s debut pleased me a lot, he’s someone who has a lot of confidence in himself, he managed the pressure, and Adil (Aouchiche) also had a good game, it wasn’t easy for him, he’s very young. But I’m very satisfied.”
Rangers’ Steven Gerrard celebrates victory after the final whistle during the UEFA Europa League match at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow.
Steven Gerrard says Rangers’ last-gasp win over Legia Warsaw has justified his decision to take on the Ibrox job as he dedicated Europa League qualification to the Gers faithful.
Alfredo Morelos almost blew the roof off the stadium as his stoppage-time winner sealed a 1-0 aggregate victory and sent the supporters wild.
The Gers support have found themselves under close scrutiny after being handed a double UEFA rap for sectarian chanting this week.
The club were ordered to close a section housing 3,000 fans after falling foul of the governing body during their opening qualifier with St Joseph’s and could yet face an even harsher punishment after bigoted songs were aired in Poland last week.
But the empty seats made no difference to the atmosphere as Rangers were roared into the group stages for the second year in succession.
Gerrard said: “You saw the place at the end and there wasn’t a prouder man in the building than me.
“One of the reasons I took the job was the support. From the outside, I could see the pain and disappointment. I wanted to come in and help.
“It’s moments like tonight that make me feel so proud and make it feel worthwhile. I’m glad I signed up to it.
“I wanted nights like this from a personal point of view. But to see my players celebrating with the 47,000 fans at the end, it was an emotional time. I was so proud to be the manager of this club out there.”
Gers will now find themselves in Pot Four for Friday’s noon draw in Monaco and Gerrard already knows who he wants.
The former Liverpool skipper said with a wry grin: “I wouldn’t mind going and parking the bus at Old Trafford!”
Gerrard had predicted the match would go to the wire after being held to a goalless draw in Warsaw last week.
And it proved correct as they were made to wait until the 91st minute to snatch victory, with Jordan Jones delivering a perfect cross for Morelos to nod home.
He said: “Alfredo’s a top player and top players provide big moments and that’s what he’s done for his team.
“I don’t think his performance was outstanding but as a striker sometimes you don’t need to be. You just need to provide that moment that gets your team where they need to go.
“He deserves all the headlines as he works hard every day for those moments.
“I thought the cross was exquisite. Jordan has done that for us before. I asked him to go win a football match for me and Jordan, alongside Alfredo, deserves the headlines as they were two moments of absolute quality.”
Legia are now certain to face a charge of their own after the clash had to be halted when the travelling supporters set off a spectacular pyrotechnic display that shrouded the pitch in smoke.
And boss Aleksandar Vukovic could not hide his disappointment after their late collapse.
“The manner of the defeat hurt,” he said. “We dealt with most of their attacks well but unfortunately we didn’t deal with the one at the end.
“We played well against a team who were at a higher level than us. I cannot say we had any bad luck. The better team won on the night.”
On the flares, he added: “It is something I see every week in Poland so I’m used to it. I’m not someone who is critical of our supporters.”
Steve Bruce was left fuming at the “horror” challenge which left Matt Ritchie needing stitches in three wounds as Newcastle bowed out of the Carabao Cup on penalties against Leicester.
Ritchie was caught by Foxes midfielder Hamza Choudhury shortly before half-time at St James’ Park with referee Tim Robinson brandishing a yellow card, but no more, and the Scotland international was unable to resume after the break.
Speaking after seeing his side go down 4-2 in the penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw, the Magpies’ head coach said: “I have to say the mess Matt Ritchie is in, the referee is five yards away and if there had been VAR tonight or whatever…
Steve Bruce was unhappy with a challenge which left Matt Ritchie injured (Owen Humphreys/PA)
“It’s a horror challenge and I don’t want people sent off and red cards, but when I see the state of Matty’s leg… We fear ankle damage, he’s got three cuts which all need stitches.
“He’s a mess and the referee is five yards away from him, which is difficult to take when I see him like that.
“As I say, I don’t want anybody ever sent off, but when it’s a horror challenge like that… It wasn’t good. No wonder he didn’t come out for the second half.”
However, Foxes assistant manager Chris Davies was quick to defend Choudhury as he stood in for Brendan Rodgers at the post-match press conference.
James Maddison equalised after his free-kick was deflected in (Owen Humphreys/PA)
He said: “It was a strong tackle. He’s a competitor – if the ball is there to be won, he’ll go for it. There was certainly no malice whatsoever from Hamza.
“As I say, anyone who sees Hamza play knows he’s competitive and if the ball is there to be won, he’ll try to win it, so that’s how I saw it.”
That incident came after James Maddison had handed the visitors a 34th-minute lead with a free-kick which took an outrageous deflection, although the game went to penalties courtesy of Yoshinori Muto’s equaliser eight minutes after the break.
The visitors scored four of their five penalties, including Maddison’s audacious Panenka effort and although Harvey Barnes saw his attempt saved, Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden were denied by Kasper Schmeichel.
They will face Sky Bet Championship Luton in the third round, and Davies said: “They’re all going to be tough games. We’ve seen Luton play – obviously, they’ve been on a good run, promotion and a couple of results just recently, so we expect that to be a tough game.”
