Meerdink gives Xavi his first win as Netherlands coach, Israel faces Ireland in contentious match
- On Sunday, September 27, 2026, the Netherlands defeated Serbia 2-1 in Belgrade, securing head coach Xavi Hernandez his first victory in charge of the Oranje.
- Striker Mexx Meerdink scored twice—a 30th-minute penalty after Crysencio Summerville was fouled and a 69th-minute winner set up by substitute Guus Til—to overcome Serbia's Luka Jovic equalizer.
- Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo was replaced in the 17th minute after a heavy challenge from Saaa Lukici, while goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen denied Dejan Joveljic with a crucial early save.
- Elsewhere in the Nations League, the victory moves the Netherlands to four points from two Group A2 matches; Denmark defeated Wales 2-0 and Austria beat Kosovo 3-1.
- Next Thursday, the Oranje travel to Thessaloniki to face Greece, who defeated Serbia 2-1 in their opening Group A2 match and pose a significant test.
201 Articles
201 Articles
After he tied his debut to Germany, the Dutch team was looking for a positive result to add more points to the European selection competition.
Oranje won Serbia by opening the Dutch victory account under Javi's leadership.
Xavi gets first win as Netherlands boss, Denmark beat Wales
The Dutch were held to a 1-1 draw by Germany in Xavi's bow on Thursday, but two goals from Mexx Meerdink were enough for them to get past a spirited Serbia and move to four points from two games in Group A2. The Oranje turned to Barcelona great Xavi after a disappointing World Cup last-32 exit at the hands of Morocco. Serbia passed up a good opportunity to take a 17th-minute lead when Dejan Joveljic could only shoot straight at Dutch goalkeeper …
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.
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