Match Number: 726 Date: 20.11.2002 Location: Gelsenkirchen Competition: Friendly GERMANY: Kahn Rehmer, F. Baumann, A. Friedrich Frings, Jeremies (46. Kehl), Ballack, Böhme (78. Neuville) B. Schneider Bobic (68. Asamoah), Klose (46. Freier) Coach: Voeller NETHERLANDS: van der Sar Ricksen, Stam, Frank de Boer (46. van der Vaart), Zenden Seedorf, Bosvelt, Cocu (46. Reiziger), Davids Makaay (65. Hasselbaink), Kluivert (46. van Nistelrooy) Scoring: 0:1 Kluivert (22.) 1:1 Bobic (34.) 1:2 Hasselbaink (69.) 1:3 Van Nistelrooy (79.) Referee: Hugh Dallas (Scotland) Yellow cards: Reiziger Attendance: 60,601 (sold out)German had their lunch handed to them by the Dutch, in a renewal of this intense rivalry.
Actually, the DFB squad started out well, their physical, pressure play allowing them to control the match. They created a couple of chances early, with Fredi Bobic especially looking dangerous in attack. It was against the run of play that the Dutch took the lead, as Kluivert beat Rehmer to the ball, and in falling pushed it over. Recovering from the shock, the Germans attacked. Bobic almost tied the score a few minutes later, but van der Sar made a nice save. Then a nice cross from Bernd Schneider, who also had a good match, was met by Bobic, who headed home.
In the 2nd half, things went back and forth, with Kahn making a nice save to prevent a Dutch goal. However, the Germans were unable to translate their advantage into any goals, and they would be duly punished. A mistake by Kehl, and Hasselbaink's low shot from 17 meters was unstoppable. Another counterattack and van Nistelrooy coldbloodedly put home the decider.
Overall, not a terrible performance by Voeller's squad, which probably deserved better.