Netherlands beat Serbia 2-1 as Meerdink double seals Xavi’s first win
The Netherlands gave Xavi Hernandez his first win as head coach with a 2-1 Nations League victory over Serbia in Belgrade on Sunday. The Dutch moved to four points from two games and top of Group A2.
AZ Alkmaar striker Mexx Meerdink scored both goals on his first international start. He drilled home a 30th-minute penalty for his first Netherlands goal after Aleksa Terzic fouled Crysencio Summerville. Serbia's Luka Jovic equalized less than a minute into the second half, but Meerdink struck again in the 69th minute from substitute Guus Til's pass.
Serbia had a good early chance when Dejan Joveljic shot straight at Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen in the 17th minute. Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo hobbled off injured for the Netherlands and was replaced by Ruben van Bommel.
The Netherlands dominated long spells, holding 67 percent possession and firing 25 shots to Serbia's 11. Xavi's men drew 1-1 with Germany in his first game in charge.
Related stories
View all →
India on 37 Medals as Cricket Opens Asian Games Day 10
India's Asian Games 2026 medal tally stood at 37, with four gold, 16 silver and 17 bronze, as cricket opened on Day…
Wissa to Newcastle: How a £25m Bid Became £55m
Newcastle United's capture of Yoane Wissa on deadline day closed one of the summer's longest sagas, with the Magpies finally paying 55…
Kane Expects ‘Positive’ Bayern Contract Decision Soon
Harry Kane said talks with Bayern Munich over a new contract are progressing well and he expects a decision soon, ending speculation…
Khabar 24h Editorial Desk — our explainers are prepared by the Khabar 24h editorial team using AI-assisted research tools, and every piece is reviewed by a human editor before publishing. We do not claim original reporting: our work is turning complex topics into simple, accurate summaries. Spotted an error? Write to contact@khabar24h.com — our corrections policy aims for same-day review.
More from this author →
Leave a Reply