Meerdink’s Brace Guides Xavi to First Dutch Triumph

Key Takeaways:

• Mexx Meerdink netted twice to help the Netherlands secure a 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over Serbia in Belgrade
• Xavi Hernandez earned his first victory as Netherlands’ head coach and extended the team’s unbeaten run in competitive matches after 90 minutes to 18 games (W10, D8)
• Serbia fell to a fourth successive defeat across all competitions, despite Luka Jovic equalising early in the second half

Match Analysis

Facing a Serbian side keen to reverse a disappointing run in 2023, the Netherlands – newly under the stewardship of Xavi Hernandez and fresh from a spirited 1-1 draw versus Germany – arrived in Belgrade sitting 31 places above their hosts in the FIFA rankings. The Dutch boss could have been forgiven for some quiet optimism, but Serbia nearly upset those expectations early, with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic firing just wide after a swift counter-attack.

Important points on the road! ✅#NothingLikeOranje #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/N77uu7xV7S

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) September 27, 2026

The visitors soon imposed themselves, ultimately taking the lead from the penalty spot after Aleksa Terzic was adjudged to have shoved Crysencio Summerville in the area. Mexx Meerdink held his nerve, slotting home his first senior international goal from 12 yards out, despite Vanja Milinkovic-Savic guessing correctly.

Denzel Dumfries was denied a second goal by a sharp save from Milinkovic-Savic before the break, while the half for the Netherlands was blemished by an enforced substitution for Cody Gakpo due to injury.

Turning Points and Second-Half Drama

Veljko Paunovic looked to spark a comeback for the hosts by introducing Dusan Tadic and Luka Jovic at half-time, and almost instantly reaped the rewards as Jovic found the net just one minute after the restart. The Dutch defence failed to clear the ball after Bart Verbruggen had made saves from both Jovic and Filip Kostic, allowing Jovic to convert with his left foot.

The Dutch sought an immediate riposte, and Ruben van Bommel narrowly missed, his shot grazing the post. Denzel Dumfries continued to threaten, setting up Tijjani Reijnders for a promising opportunity, but the Real Madrid full-back could only shoot over the bar from close range.

Meerdink Delivers Decisive Blow

The decisive moment soon followed, as Guus Til exchanged passes with Meerdink, who deftly controlled the ball and finished superbly with his left foot to restore the Dutch advantage. Serbia never relented in their search for an equaliser, coming close when Jovic’s header from a Tadic corner drifted just wide, but were ultimately left without reward.

Statistical Overview

This result saw the Netherlands preserve their 12-match unbeaten sequence on foreign soil in regulation time (W7, D5) and continue an unbeaten run in the UEFA Nations League campaign to date. For Serbia, the defeat marked a fourth in a row in all competitions, casting further doubt on their recent form.