Belgrade offered Xavi Hernández the first win of his Netherlands tenure, a 2-1 UEFA Nations League result that carried the Dutch side to four points from their opening two Group 2 matches. After beginning his spell with a draw against Germany, the Spanish coach watched Mick Meerdink decide an evening in which Serbia repeatedly found a way back into the contest.
The Netherlands had arrived needing confirmation that the encouraging start under their new manager could translate into a result away from home. Serbia, beaten by Greece in their first fixture, had the additional urgency of playing before their own supporters with no points yet on the board.
Meerdink gave the visitors their reward on the half-hour mark. The Dutch forward converted a penalty in the 30th minute, putting the Oranje ahead after they had taken control of much of the opening period.
A response before the interval, then Meerdink again
Serbia ensured the contest would not settle into a straightforward Dutch night. Luka Jovic struck in the 43rd minute to bring the hosts level shortly before half-time, changing the feel of the match as both teams returned for the second half with the score at 1-1.
The deciding moment came in the 69th minute, when Meerdink scored for a second time. His brace restored the Netherlands’ lead, and although Serbia pushed for another equaliser late on, the visitors held their ground to give Xavi his first official victory as national-team coach.
The result placed the Netherlands provisionally at the summit of Group 2 on four points, pending Greece’s meeting with Germany. Serbia remained bottom after two rounds, still without a point.
Greece had already shaped the early complexion of the section by winning 2-1 in Serbia on the first matchday, secured by a goal in the closing seconds. That away success gave the Greeks three points and kept them among the early contenders, while making Serbia’s task against the Dutch even more pressing.
For Xavi, the return from Serbia is more than the three points collected on the road. A draw with Germany had opened his Netherlands chapter; a hard-earned victory in Belgrade now gives his side momentum as the Nations League group begins to take shape across the continent.
