Ruben van Bommel makes impact in third generation

A dramatic last-gasp goal for the Netherlands on Thursday announced the arrival of a third generation from a family of internationals, as Ruben van Bommel made an impactful debut in their UEFA Nations League clash against Germany.

The PSV Eindhoven attacker came on in the 83rd minute of the Group 2 fixture in Amsterdam and with a surging run down the left after stealing possession from the opposition, hit a curling cross-field pass with the outside of his foot that Cody Gakpo volleyed home for a 1-1 draw as the home side belatedly profited from a strong second-half performance.

Van Bommel’s contribution drew a favorable review from new coach Xavi Hernandez, who had called him up to the squad for the first time.

Germany’s Philipp Treu, left, and Ruben van Bommel of the Netherlands vie for the ball during their UEFA Nations League match at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam on Thursday.

Photo: EPA

“I am very happy for Ruben. In his first international match, he made the difference,” Xavi said. “He deserved it. And this is what we need; he is a top player. The assist was of a very high standard. He wins back the ball and then delivers the cross himself.”

The 22-year-old Van Bommel is the third generation of his family to play for his country, the first time that has been achieved in the Netherlands.

“It’s truly wonderful, because representing the Netherlands is the highest achievement possible for a player. Coming on as a substitute is tough; you completely exhaust yourself in that short time, but that’s normal,” he told reporters after the match.

Belgium head coach Mark Van Bommel speaks at a news conference ahead of their UEFA Nations League match against Italy at the Olimpico Stadium in Rome on Thursday.

Photo: EPA

His grandfather Bert van Marwijk earned one cap against Yugoslavia in 1975 and later coached the team to the 2010 FIFA World Cup final.

Ruben van Bommel’s father, Mark van Bommel, earned 79 caps from 2000 to 2012 and was to debut yesterday in charge of Belgium.

They were play Italy in Rome after press time last night.

“One cap now, just like my grandad,” Ruben van Bommel said after Thursday’s clash. “Whether I’ll catch up to my father. Well, then I’ll have to play a lot more matches.”

“I’m keeping this shirt for myself; I still have to think about what to do with the second shirt,” he said. “My father has a large collection of jerseys and that’s something I’d like as well.”

Ruben van Bommel will now be hoping for more game time as the Netherlands next meet Serbia in Belgrade tomorrow, Greece in Thessaloniki on Thursday and Serbia again at his home ground in Eindhoven on Oct. 4.

“There are still three international matches to come. If I get minutes, I have to make sure I’m ready,” he said.

In other Nations League matches, Erling Haaland scored two goals for Norway, who beat Denmark 3-2 in Oslo.

Tasos Douvikas scored a last-second winner for Greece to win 2-1 against Serbia.

Cristiano Ronaldo played 67 minutes for Portugal in their 1-0 win over Wales.

Israel’s Sayed Abu Farchi was sent off after taking his celebrations too far for the referee when he equalized during their 3-1 loss against Austria in Linz.

The Colorado Rapids forward pulled out a corner flag and appeared to simulate potting a ball in pool. He was shown a second yellow card, just four minutes after his first.

Vedat Muriqi scored late for Kosovo to beat Ireland 1-0 in Pristina, while Malta beat Andorra 2-1 and Lithuania downed Liechtenstein 2-0.