The AZ Alkmaar striker scored twice in Belgrade to hand the Netherlands their first win under new head coach Xavi Hernández.
The Netherlands celebrated their first victory under Xavi Hernández with a hard-earned 2-1 win over Serbia in Belgrade on Sunday during Matchday 2 of the UEFA Nations League. Forward Mexx Meerdink was the star of the evening, scoring both goals as the Dutch side earned an important three points.
After rescuing a late draw against Germany in their opening match, the Dutch national team now has four points from two games, remaining unbeaten as Xavi begins his new era in charge.
Meerdink Opens the Scoring from the Penalty Spot
The visitors took the lead after the referee awarded a penalty following a challenge on Crysencio Summerville inside the box. Despite strong protests from the Serbian players, Polish referee Szymon Marciniak pointed to the spot.
Meerdink stepped up confidently and converted the penalty, giving the Netherlands a deserved first-half advantage and scoring the first goal of the Xavi Hernández era.
Injury Blow for Cody Gakpo
The Dutch suffered an early setback when Cody Gakpo was forced off in the 17th minute with an apparent left ankle injury. He was replaced by Ruben van Bommel, who made an immediate impact with his energetic display on the left side.
Despite the injury, the Netherlands controlled possession throughout most of the first half and limited Serbia’s attacking opportunities before the break.
Serbia Respond Through Luka Jović
Serbia found an equalizer almost immediately after halftime. Just 54 seconds into the second half, Luka Jović reacted quickest after two excellent saves from goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen created rebound opportunities.
The former Real Madrid striker calmly finished from close range to make it 1-1 and give the home supporters renewed hope.
Meerdink Delivers the Winner
The Netherlands responded positively to conceding and quickly regained control of the match. Their pressure paid off when Mexx Meerdink scored his second goal of the evening with a precise left-footed strike across goal after another dangerous Dutch attack.
The goal restored the visitors’ lead and ultimately proved to be the match winner.
Dutch Control the Closing Stages
With more than 20 minutes remaining, the Netherlands managed possession intelligently and continued creating chances while preventing Serbia from building sustained pressure.
Although the hosts searched for another equalizer, Xavi Hernández’s side remained organized defensively and comfortably protected their advantage until the final whistle.
The victory marks an important milestone for the former Barcelona manager, who celebrates his first win as head coach of the Netherlands while keeping his team unbeaten after two UEFA Nations League matches.
Match Summary
Competition: UEFA Nations League – League A, Matchday 2
Result: Serbia 1-2 Netherlands
Goals:
- Mexx Meerdink (Penalty)
- Luka Jović
- Mexx Meerdink
Venue: Belgrade, Serbia
Netherlands Head Coach: Xavi Hernández
Netherlands Beat Serbia 2-1 as Mexx Meerdink Fires Xavi Hernández to First Victory
The AZ Alkmaar striker scored twice in Belgrade to hand the Netherlands their first win under new head coach Xavi Hernández.
The Netherlands celebrated their first victory under Xavi Hernández with a hard-earned 2-1 win over Serbia in Belgrade on Sunday during Matchday 2 of the UEFA Nations League. Forward Mexx Meerdink was the star of the evening, scoring both goals as the Dutch side earned an important three points.
After rescuing a late draw against Germany in their opening match, the Dutch national team now has four points from two games, remaining unbeaten as Xavi begins his new era in charge.
Meerdink Opens the Scoring from the Penalty Spot
The visitors took the lead after the referee awarded a penalty following a challenge on Crysencio Summerville inside the box. Despite strong protests from the Serbian players, Polish referee Szymon Marciniak pointed to the spot.
Meerdink stepped up confidently and converted the penalty, giving the Netherlands a deserved first-half advantage and scoring the first goal of the Xavi Hernández era.
Injury Blow for Cody Gakpo
The Dutch suffered an early setback when Cody Gakpo was forced off in the 17th minute with an apparent left ankle injury. He was replaced by Ruben van Bommel, who made an immediate impact with his energetic display on the left side.
Despite the injury, the Netherlands controlled possession throughout most of the first half and limited Serbia’s attacking opportunities before the break.
Serbia Respond Through Luka Jović
Serbia found an equalizer almost immediately after halftime. Just 54 seconds into the second half, Luka Jović reacted quickest after two excellent saves from goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen created rebound opportunities.
The former Real Madrid striker calmly finished from close range to make it 1-1 and give the home supporters renewed hope.
Meerdink Delivers the Winner
The Netherlands responded positively to conceding and quickly regained control of the match. Their pressure paid off when Mexx Meerdink scored his second goal of the evening with a precise left-footed strike across goal after another dangerous Dutch attack.
The goal restored the visitors’ lead and ultimately proved to be the match winner.
Dutch Control the Closing Stages
With more than 20 minutes remaining, the Netherlands managed possession intelligently and continued creating chances while preventing Serbia from building sustained pressure.
Although the hosts searched for another equalizer, Xavi Hernández’s side remained organized defensively and comfortably protected their advantage until the final whistle.
The victory marks an important milestone for the former Barcelona manager, who celebrates his first win as head coach of the Netherlands while keeping his team unbeaten after two UEFA Nations League matches.
Match Summary
Competition: UEFA Nations League – League A, Matchday 2
Result: Serbia 1-2 Netherlands
Goals:
- Mexx Meerdink (Penalty)
- Luka Jović
- Mexx Meerdink
Venue: Belgrade, Serbia
Netherlands Head Coach: Xavi Hernández
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