The Netherlands recorded their first victory under head coach Xavi Hernández, securing a 2–1 win over Serbia at the Rajko Mitić Stadium on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Nations League league phase.
Xavi handed young striker Mexx Meerdink a starting spot to replace the injured Brian Brobbey, while also drafting Joey Veerman in place of Quentin Timber, retaining the majority of the lineup that faced Germany.
The Dutch side suffered an early blow when Cody Gakpo was forced off with an injury after just 17 minutes, bringing Ruben van Bommel into the action. Nevertheless, the Oranje maintained control and successfully opened the scoring.
Crysencio Summerville won a penalty in the 30th minute following a challenge from Aleksa Terzić, which Meerdink converted to register his first international goal in his second appearance for the Netherlands.
Serbia made a double substitution at half-time, and substitute Luka Jović needed less than a minute to equalize, capitalizing on a pass from Saša Lukić following a slow start to the second half by the Dutch defense.
The Netherlands restored their lead in the 69th minute when substitute Guus Til set up Meerdink for his second goal of the night, completing the AZ Alkmaar striker’s brace and sealing Xavi’s first victory in international management.
The result brings Xavi’s tally to four points from his opening two matches, following a 1–1 draw against Germany in his debut thanks to a late Gakpo goal. The Netherlands have scored three goals and conceded two while remaining unbeaten.
The Netherlands have two matches remaining during the current international break, visiting Greece in Thessaloniki on Thursday, October 1, before hosting Serbia in the return fixture on Sunday, October 4 at the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven.
