Meerdink Scores Twice on First Netherlands Start in Serbia Win
Mexx Meerdink marked his first Netherlands start with two goals as Oranje secured a 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over Serbia at the Rajko Mitic Stadium, delivering the side’s first victory of the campaign.
Match facts
| Item | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Result | Serbia 1-2 Netherlands | UEFA Nations League |
| Netherlands scorer | Mexx Meerdink, 2 | First full international appearance |
| Key moments | Penalty; 78th-minute winner | Luka Jović scored Serbia’s equaliser |
| Next match | Thursday in Thessaloniki | Netherlands face group leaders Greece |
The AZ forward was selected by Xavi Hernández after Brian Brobbey sustained an injury, having previously appeared as a substitute against Germany. Meerdink took the central attacking role and gave the visitors a first-half lead from the penalty spot after Crysencio Summerville was brought down.
Serbia responded shortly after the interval through Luka Jović, but Meerdink settled the contest in the 78th minute. Guus Til supplied the pass and the forward slid in to guide the ball home for his second goal of the evening.
Meerdink said the occasion had fulfilled a childhood ambition, admitting there had been some pressure before his penalty but stressing that the three points made his two-goal debut particularly meaningful. He also thanked the coaching staff for placing their trust in him for such a significant match.
Hernández’s assessment extended beyond the finishing. The Netherlands coach praised Meerdink’s defensive contribution and persistent pressing, with the striker repeatedly interrupting Serbia’s attempts to play out from the back. He also combined effectively with Joey Veerman and Til as the Netherlands established control in key periods.
The 2-1 result gives Oranje momentum before Thursday’s trip to Greece, with the group leaders awaiting in Thessaloniki. Meerdink will hope his performance in Belgrade is enough to keep his place in Hernández’s XI.
Netherlands and Serbia are scheduled to meet again in Eindhoven on Sunday, when Meerdink will seek to extend his early international scoring record.
