- The Netherlands beat Serbia 2-1 on Sunday, moved top of Group A2 and strengthened their chance of reaching the quarter-finals in March
- Virgil van Dijk became the 11th Netherlands player to reach 100 caps by playing against Serbia
- The Dutch will next face Greece in Amsterdam on November 13 before travelling to Berlin to play Germany three days later
Xavi remains unbeaten but wants more from the Netherlands
Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez took encouragement from his opening four matches in charge, with the 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over Serbia on Sunday extending his unbeaten start. The result lifted the Dutch to the top of Group A2 and left them with a strong opportunity to progress to the quarter-finals in March.
Even so, the Spanish World Cup winner made clear that results alone were not enough. He said he was pleased with the spirit within the squad and with the effort to build a united group, but he also identified several footballing areas in which the team still needed to develop.
“We fought like a family. We really had to suffer,” Xavi said.
“We had to defend, but we actually wanted to play possession football. But we couldn’t do that, and we couldn’t get a grip on the game because of Serbia, who did that really well.
“But when we switched to a different formation, things got better,” the Spanish World Cup winner added.
🇳🇱 Virgil van Dijk has won his 100th cap for the Netherlands.
It’s the 72nd time he’s captained his country. https://t.co/8zH9WWNVOu
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) October 4, 2026
Flexible systems and defensive concerns
Xavi has used different formations across his first four games. That run began with a home draw against Germany, followed by an away win over Serbia and a come-from-behind 2-2 draw in Greece last Thursday, before the victory over Serbia on Sunday continued the unbeaten sequence.
“We now know how to dominate games in different ways. But we also know how to defend at times in a low block or a mid-block,” he said.
“In terms of our core values, I’m very satisfied. The players are wonderful people. But in footballing terms, we need to improve in all sorts of areas.”
The win over Serbia also extended a defensive trend Xavi wants to end, as the Netherlands conceded a goal for a 12th consecutive match on Sunday. He said the side were working towards becoming more difficult to score against.
“The most important thing is that we score one more than the opponent, but we want a clean sheet. That takes time,” he added.
“I’m going to get some rest now first, because it was intense.
“I’ll continue to keep an eye on everyone. We are creating a family.”
Van Dijk joins the Netherlands 100-cap group
Sunday was also a landmark occasion for Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, who became the latest Dutch international to play 100 games for his country. By featuring against Serbia, he became the 11th Netherlands player to reach 100 caps.
Van Dijk joined a distinguished group that includes Philip Cocu, Robin van Persie, Dirk Kuyt, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Daley Blind, Rafael van der Vaart, Frank de Boer, Memphis Depay, Edwin van der Sar and record international Wesley Sneijder.
The long-time Oranje captain said he felt thankful for the many people who had contributed to his international career, but he placed particular emphasis on his family. He walked out with his son Mase before the match.
“I’m very grateful. To the team, the staff, and the staff members I’ve worked with in the past, and ultimately, I’m most grateful to my family,” Van Dijk, who walked out with his son Mase, told NOS. “They were here tonight too. A special evening and a wonderful milestone. Definitely something I’m very proud of.
“It was special to be standing there together. I think my little boy felt completely at ease. He even started waving. I just don’t know who he was waving to – my family were on the other side.”
Eleven years on from Kazakhstan debut
The occasion carried extra emotional weight for Van Dijk, coming 11 years after he made his Netherlands debut in Kazakhstan. He admitted that the significance of the night hit him after the match, but also stressed that reaching 100 caps was not the end of his international ambitions.
“I found it quite difficult back in the changing room. I have to say, I’m quite emotional. Especially at moments like this – it really is tough. But I’m so grateful. It was a lovely evening,” Van Dijk continued before saying that he’s not done yet.
“For me, it won’t stop at a hundred. It’s something I never dared to dream of; it felt far too distant to even think about when I was young.
“As a little boy, I always watched Oranje. Back then, I hoped to wear the orange shirt one day. But you don’t think you’ll do it a hundred times.”
Caps missed after 2020 ACL injury
Van Dijk reached the milestone after a relatively late start with the national team. The then-Southampton defender made his first Oranje appearance at 24 years old. Now 11 years and 100 games into his Netherlands career, he reflected on the challenges he has faced, including the period he lost after tearing his ACL in 2020.
“I’ve given it my all. Unfortunately, I missed out on another year; otherwise, I might well have come close to Wesley (Sneijder). But I’m proud and happy.”
After the 2-1 win over Serbia, Xavi highlighted Van Dijk’s influence and leadership within the squad.
“I’ve just told the team in the changing room that I’m incredibly proud of Virgil. He’s a role model. He’s done really well, both for himself and for the team. He’s a true leader; I’m proud to be his coach,” Xavi said.
Upcoming fixtures and Nations League format
The Netherlands will next meet Greece in Amsterdam on November 13, before making the trip to Berlin to face Germany three days later.
