On Sunday, there were four Liverpool players in action, as Germany took on Curacao and the Netherlands faced Japan. Out of the four, three players represented the Dutch, with Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo and their captain, Virgil Van Dijk.
Here’s how it all unfolded…
It was a fantastic result for the Germans in Houston, as they put seven past the World Cup newcomers in a 7-1 victory. It was a moment to relive the four-time winners’ demolition of Brazil from 12 years ago by the same scoreline.
The Netherlands looked like they would also pick up three points from their opening match of the tournament. However, Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada scored in the final seconds of normal time. In a group that includes Tunisia and Alexander Isak’s Sweden, it’s not a great result for the Dutch.
Florian Wirtz part of World Cup hammering
It took the Liverpool midfielder just six minutes to make an impact on the match in his first World Cup outing. A calmly weighted pass in the direction of Felix Nmecha opened the scoring. However, the game was levelled halfway through the first half, as Livano Comenencia put one past Manuel Neuer.
From there, the Germans took full control, as Nico Schlotterbeck and Kai Havertz scored before the halftime whistle. Jamal Musiala quickly added another in the second half. Nathaniel Brown, Denis Undav and Havertz from the spot finished off the rout.
While Wirtz was unable to find the back of the net, his creative gene was on showcase on the grandest stage. He played a delightful ball into the path of former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane, though he scuffed the finish.
One figure that was recognisable to Liverpool supporters was Jurgen Klopp, who was alongside Thomas Muller during the game. Once the full-time whistle blew, the pair celebrated as they started their campaign in the perfect way.
The next outing for Wirtz and his teammates is on Saturday evening at 9 pm BST, as they take on the Ivory Coast. The Reds are heavily linked with one of their star players, Yan Diomande. After making a solid statement, they will hope to continue that run as they face the African side on the weekend.
Liverpool duo make a mark despite Netherlands draw
Compared to the intensity Julian Nagelsmann’s side offered, it was a slow, mundane opening half. The first half came to a close with the sides levelled at 0-0. Gravenberch showed good signs as they pushed forward, whilst Gakpo was criticised by Ally McCoist for a lack of threat.
The Netherlands needed something to drive them forward, and it came from the Liverpool and Dutch captain.
Gravenberch’s expertly weighted pass found Van Dijk in the middle of the box, and his well-timed header was perfectly placed into the far corner, past Zion Suzuki. That was the 11th time the 34-year-old has found the back of the net this season.
However, just minutes later, the game was levelled by winger Keito Nakamura. With the game in the balance once again, Gravenberch made his mark on the game.
A quick glide through the middle of the park opened space up for Crysencio Summerville, whose curling effort found the bottom corner, giving them a 2-1 lead. As the game was coming to a close, it looked like Ronald Koeman’s side had done enough. However, Kamada rose highest from a corner, which Bart Verbruggen failed to deal with.
Gravenberch displayed an incredible performance, much more like what was seen in the 2024/25. His view to play forward was crucial in getting at least a point against Japan, as he put his name in the Liverpool history books.
This time, the fixtures are swapped with the Netherlands playing before the Germans on Saturday, with a 6 pm BST kick off. They face Graham Potter’s Sweden, which is full of plenty of Premier League talent. Both teams will likely need a result to get a great chance of advancing to the knockout stages.
