The PSV winger’s stoppage-time brilliance rescued a draw against Germany, turning a looming defeat into a triumphant debut that secured Xavi Hernández’s first point as head coach.
Ruben van Bommel needed only a few minutes to make his mark on the Netherlands stage.
The PSV winger came off the bench in the 83rd minute for Crysencio Summerville as the Netherlands faced Germany on Thursday evening. With Xavi Hernández's first match as national team head coach heading towards defeat, Van Bommel produced the moment that changed the game.
In the second minute of stoppage time, the PSV player delivered a superb cross with the outside of his right foot for Cody Gakpo. The former PSV attacker finished emphatically to secure a 1-1 draw and give Xavi a point in his first match in charge.
Van Bommel's contribution did not go unnoticed by the Dutch morning newspapers, who highlighted both the quality of his delivery and the significance of his debut.
‘A truly magnificent cross’
Algemeen Dagblad praised the 21-year-old's immediate impact, describing the assist as a decisive moment in an otherwise difficult evening for Xavi's side.
“Xavi Hernández's debut as head coach of Oranje seemed for a long time to be fated to end in misfortune. But just before the end, the well-deserved equalizer still arrived. From a truly magnificent cross by debutant and substitute Ruben van Bommel, Cody Gakpo scored the equalizer.”
The newspaper also pointed to the Netherlands' overall performance, calling the point deserved after a match played with “thrilling enthusiasm”.
As relayed by PSV Inside, De Telegraaf similarly focused on Van Bommel's delivery, writing that “thanks to a perfect cross from substitute Ruben van Bommel and a great goal by Cody Gakpo, there was justice two minutes into stoppage time.”
‘A masterpiece in one touch’
De Volkskrant went further in its description of the decisive move, praising the technique and execution behind Van Bommel's assist.
“What a great ball. A masterpiece in one touch.”
The newspaper highlighted how Van Bommel carried the ball down the left before producing the cross with his right foot, noting that the delivery was hard, precise and perfectly weighted towards the far post.
Gakpo had already positioned himself for the cross and completed the move with a powerful volley, producing a spectacular finish after his run into the penalty area.
For Van Bommel, it was an impressive introduction to international football. For Xavi, the late equaliser ensured his first game as Netherlands head coach ended with a draw rather than defeat.
The PSV winger now has an early international highlight to build on, having needed only nine minutes plus stoppage time to provide his first Oranje assist.
