Xavi Hernandez has delivered on his first major test as Netherlands head coach, securing a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Serbia in Belgrade that marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Oranje. The win, his first since taking charge following the team’s disappointing World Cup exit to Morocco, came in the UEFA Nations League and underscores the urgency of rebuilding momentum after a rocky start to his tenure.
The match was far from straightforward. Serbia nearly took the lead in the opening 17 minutes when Dejan Joveljic’s shot crashed off goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen’s post, but the Dutch quickly adapted. The turning point arrived on the half-hour mark when Mexx Meerdink, a rising star from AZ Alkmaar, converted a penalty to level the scores. His first international goal, the strike followed a foul on Crysencio Summerville by Aleksa Terzic, and set the tone for a Dutch resurgence. The second half was even more dramatic: Serbia equalised just six minutes after the break, but a frantic goalmouth scramble saw Luka Jović, a late substitute, slot home the equaliser in stoppage time. The win was sealed when Orjan Nyland’s error gifted a simple finish to Serbia’s Josip Ramos in the final minutes, though the Dutch held on to claim three crucial points.
Xavi’s tactical adjustments were evident throughout. The absence of Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo due to injury forced a tactical shift, with Ruben van Bommel stepping in as a replacement. Yet, the Dutch midfield—led by Meerdink’s creativity and Jović’s physicality—dictated play with relentless pressure. The victory also signals a shift in focus for the Oranje, who must now turn their attention to the upcoming Nations League fixtures and beyond, with Xavi’s leadership now firmly established.
This win comes on the heels of a 1-1 draw against Germany, where Xavi’s side showed resilience but lacked clarity. The Serbia match, however, demonstrated a more cohesive approach, with Meerdink’s two goals proving decisive. The pressure is now on to sustain this form, especially as the Netherlands prepare for their next challenge in the Nations League. With Xavi’s Barcelona pedigree and tactical acumen, the Oranje have a clear roadmap—but the path forward will require consistency and belief, two qualities that have been in short supply since the World Cup exit.
For now, the focus remains on the immediate future. Xavi’s first win is a small but significant milestone, one that validates his appointment and sets the stage for a more ambitious campaign. The Nations League is just the beginning, and with Meerdink’s emergence and Jović’s impact, the Netherlands have the tools to compete at the highest level—if they can replicate this determination against the next opponent.
