Netherlands: first win under Xavi thanks to Meerdink double
The Netherlands won their first match under Xavi Hernández on Sunday, beating Serbia 1-2 in the Nations League thanks to a brace from Mexx Meerdink, according to several Dutch media outlets.
The Netherlands have secured their first win under Xavi Hernández. On Sunday evening, in Serbia, the national team won 1-2, as reported by NOS, among others. The success is credited to Mexx Meerdink, who scored both Dutch goals, according to NU.nl.
Meerdink, hero of the evening
Mexx Meerdink was the main architect of this victory. According to Voetbal International, the 23-year-old striker, starting for the first time for the national team, seized his chance: he scored both of his team's goals. The AZ player handed Xavi Hernández his first success at the helm of the Netherlands, FCUpdate confirms.
According to Voetbalprimeur, Meerdink was hailed as man of the match during this trip to Belgrade. The site adds that winger Cody Gakpo left the pitch with an injury, bad news for Oranje.
A reaction after the break
Voetbalnieuws highlights that the Netherlands were put under pressure shortly after the restart, before turning the match around thanks to their centre-forward. The final score of 1-2 is also reported by AD.
This victory is the first of the Nations League campaign for the Netherlands, Voetbalnieuws notes. The Dutch newspapers praised Meerdink's performance, described as "razor-sharp" by Voetbalprimeur, while Voetbalzone mentions a Dutch side lacking inspiration despite the success.
