Stuttgart: Spain defender Gaya scored deep into stoppage time to salvage a 1-1 draw against Germany as the UEFA Nations League started without fans ending a 10-month international break.
The Valencia defender scored in the sixth minute of injury to time to cancel out Timo Werner’s opening goal on his return to his hometown Stuttgart.
With international football returning for the first time since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, all 54 games that are scheduled to take place across the continent over six days are taking place with strict hygiene measures, including the exclusion of fans. Players had to pass mandatory pregame tests for COVID-19.
Werner, who was born in Stuttgart and went on to become the club’s youngest scorer, gave Germany the lead in the 51st minute.
He finished off a move started by a cross-field ball from Ilkay Gündogan, with debutant Robin Gosens providing the cross. Barcelona winger Ansu Fati came on for the second half to become Spain’s youngest debutant since Ángel Zubieta in 1936. The 17-year-old had an injury-time equalizer ruled out for a foul by Sergio Ramos in the buildup. But there was still time for Rodrigo Moreno to set up Gaya for the equalizer, with the defender converting from close range.
Also in the same League A group, Ukraine defeated Switzerland 2-1. Ireland captain Shane Duffy scored in injury time for a 1-1 draw at Bulgaria, while Wales beat Finland 1-0 in League B’s Group 4. Russia defeated Serbia 3-1 and Hungary beat Turkey 1-0 away in their group. (AP)
