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 of the national team in the Nations League.
- Striker Mexx Meerdink converted a 30th-minute penalty after Crysencio Summerville was fouled, then netted the 69th-minute winner from substitute Guus Til's assist, despite Luka Jovic's early second-half equalizer.
- Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo was substituted in the 17th minute after a challenge by Saaa Lukici, while goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made crucial saves to preserve the lead throughout the match.
- The victory moves the Netherlands to four points from two Group A2 matches; Denmark defeated Wales 2-0 for their first Group A4 win, while Austria beat Kosovo 3-1.
- Next, the Oranje travel to Thessaloniki on Thursday to face Greece, who beat Serbia 2-1 in their opening Group A2 fixture.
125 Articles
125 Articles
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
The Netherlands ' election exceeded its Serbian counterpart, with two objectives for one, at the Sunday meeting, in the second round of European football leagues.
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