Meerdink gives Xavi his first win as Netherlands coach, Israel faces Ireland in contentious match
Mexx Meerdink scored both goals for the Netherlands, giving Xavi Hernández his first win as coach after a 2-1 Nations League victory.
- On Sunday, the Netherlands defeated Serbia 2-1 in Belgrade, securing new head coach Xavi Hernandez his first victory. Striker Mexx Meerdink scored both goals during his first international start, moving the Dutch to four points in Group A2.
- Barcelona great Xavi Hernandez took charge after the team's disappointing World Cup exit at the hands of Morocco. The 23-year-old AZ Alkmaar striker Meerdink emerged as a primary attacking threat in the new system.
- Meerdink converted a 30th-minute penalty after Aleksa Terzic fouled Crysencio Summerville, then sealed victory in the 69th minute. The Dutch managed the win despite losing Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo to injury in the 17th minute, replaced by Ruben van Bommel.
- Early in the second half, Luka Jovic equalized for Serbia after entering at half-time. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen denied the hosts as they pushed for a late equalizer, keeping the Dutch lead intact.
- Greece awaits the Netherlands in Thessaloniki on Thursday in a critical Group A2 fixture. The match will test the team's ability to build momentum following their four-point tally from two Nations League games.
115 Articles
115 Articles
Three days after the 1:1 against Germany, the Netherlands won for the first time in the Nations League. However, the game in Serbia has a shocking moment for the new coach Xavi.
The new Spanish coach of the Netherlands national team, Xavi Hernandez, addressed what the Dutch team needs to change, even after winning against Serbia by a single goal.
Merdijk's two goals were enough for the Netherlands to leave with the "double" 2-1 away from Serbia and top the Greek group - Jovic temporarily equalized for the hosts
The Netherlands ' election exceeded its Serbian counterpart, with two objectives for one, at the Sunday meeting, in the second round of European football leagues.
Thanks to two goals from young AZ striker Mexx Meerdink, the Dutch national team won the away match against Serbia 2-1. Defensively, the Oranje was vulnerable at times, but the team created many chances.
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