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.
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