Key Takeaways:
- Netherlands came from two goals down to secure a draw against Greece on Thursday in the Nations League
- Manager Xavi Hernandez accepted blame for the Dutch side’s poor first-half showing after trailing 2-0 at half-time
- Tijjani Reijnders scored a last-minute equaliser, preserving Xavi’s unbeaten start ahead of Sunday’s clash with Serbia in Eindhoven
First-Half Troubles and Managerial Accountability
The Netherlands found themselves two goals adrift at the interval during Thursday’s Nations League clash against Greece, with manager Xavi Hernandez taking full responsibility for the underwhelming start. Fotis Ioannidis and Georgios Masouras fired Greece into a commanding lead by half-time at Stadio Toumbas.
Xavi openly admitted fault, stating: “I’m never happy with a draw. But the first half was very poor. That was my fault as a coach. Maybe I made things unclear for the players by making too many changes,” Xavi said.
🚨🚨| Xavi Hernández is YET to lose a game as Netherlands new manager after securing a point against Greece.🇳🇱
He now has one win and two draws in his first three games in charge. 👏 pic.twitter.com/3YsnaItYPP
— Kalshi FC (@KalshiFC) October 1, 2026
Second-Half Tactical Shift Sparks Dutch Revival
The Dutch side emerged revitalised after the break, following three substitutions and a tactical adjustment. Virgil van Dijk narrowed the deficit shortly before the hour mark. The Netherlands continued to press and, in the closing minutes, Tijjani Reijnders netted a dramatic equaliser to secure a share of the points.
Xavi reflected on the turnaround: “I’m just trying to be honest, because that’s who I am,” said Xavi. “At half-time, I told the players exactly the same thing: sorry, because I think this is my fault. Forget the first half, now we’re going to restructure things in the second.”
The impact of Ryan Gravenberch, Noa Lang, and Reijnders was significant, but Xavi highlighted the change in tactical setup: “I think above all that the system was different. We played with a diamond in midfield, and that created more chances,” he explained. “The pitch became more open, and we had more speed with the ball.”
Next Challenge for the Netherlands
With his unbeaten run intact, Xavi Hernandez and his squad will conclude their four-match international window on Sunday, hosting Serbia in Eindhoven.
