Meerdink gives Xavi his first win as Netherlands coach, Israel faces Ireland in contentious match
Meerdink scored both goals as the Dutch earned their first win under Xavi Hernández after a gritty Nations League match, officials said.
- On Sunday, September 27, 2026, the Netherlands defeated Serbia 2-1 in Belgrade, securing head coach Xavi Hernandez his first victory in charge. The result moved the Oranje to four points from two Group A2 Nations League matches.
- Striker Mexx Meerdink scored twice: a 30th-minute penalty after Crysencio Summerville was fouled, then a 69th-minute winner set up by substitute Guus Til. Serbia equalized through Luka Jovic shortly after half-time.
- Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo was substituted in the 17th minute after a heavy challenge from Saaa Lukici forced him off injured. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen preserved the lead with a crucial save against Dejan Joveljic.
- Elsewhere in the Nations League, Denmark secured their first Group A4 win by defeating Wales 2-0 in Copenhagen, while Austria beat Kosovo 3-1 in Vienna. These results shaped the broader competition landscape.
- The Oranje travel to Thessaloniki on Thursday to face Greece, who defeated Serbia 2-1 in their opening Nations League fixture. This match will test whether Xavi's side can maintain momentum in Group A2.
131 Articles
131 Articles
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.
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.
ZAGREB U najzanimljivijim dvobojima 2. kola Lige nacija Nizozemska je slavila u Beogradu protiv Srbije s 2-1, dok je Danska u Kopenhagen beat Wales s 2-0. Srpski nogometaši su poraženi od Nizozemske 1-2 at the "Rajko Mitić" stadium at […] Objava Nizozemska slavila u Beogradu, pobjeda Danske protiv Walesa pojavila se prvi puta na Novi list.
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
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