Mexx Meerdink’s Double Sends Netherlands Top After Serbia Win

The Netherlands moved top of Group 2 with a hard-earned 2-1 win over Serbia in Belgrade, as Mexx Meerdink scored twice to give Xavi Hernandez a significant away victory in charge of the Oranje.

Why the result matters

The Stadion Rajko Mitic contest tested the Netherlands’ ability to turn territorial dominance into points. They controlled 67% of possession, completed 634 passes and produced 25 attempts, but Serbia’s equaliser immediately after the interval ensured the visitors had to respond under pressure.

Meerdink opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 30th minute, keeping his composure to put the visitors ahead. Serbia struck back one minute into the second half when Luka Jovic finished clinically, briefly changing the tone of a match the Netherlands had largely controlled.

The Dutch midfield restored order after that setback. Joey Veerman dictated the rhythm, repeatedly moving the ball through Serbia’s defensive lines, while Tijjani Reijnders offered forward running against a compact home side. Ryan Gravenberch also carried the ball effectively from deeper areas before making way for Kenneth Taylor.

Hernandez’s changes proved decisive. Reijnders was withdrawn in the 67th minute, when Guus Til entered the game alongside Taylor. Til created the winning goal just two minutes later, supplying Meerdink for his second finish of the evening in the 69th minute.

Meerdink’s two goals settled the match, but the Netherlands also needed defensive resilience late on. The captain organised the back line and aided the visitors’ build-up, while Micky van de Ven’s speed helped deal with Serbia’s more direct attacks. The right-sided wing-back had provided an energetic outlet before being substituted in the 80th minute.

The Dutch goalkeeper, who plays for Brighton, made five saves. He was unable to stop Jovic’s effort but gave the side assurance when Serbia threatened on the counterattack. The defence limited the hosts to six shots on target despite a physically demanding occasion in Belgrade.

Cody Gakpo’s night ended after only 17 minutes because of injury. His early replacement added width and worked to link with the attack, while Crysencio Summerville’s direct running helped stretch Serbia without producing a goal or assist.

Further late substitutions were used to manage the closing stages. One replacement was booked in the 85th minute after coming on five minutes earlier as the contest became more tense, while another was introduced in the 80th minute to add fresh energy.

The victory leaves the Netherlands first in Group 2 and gives Hernandez evidence that his side can combine controlled possession football with the resolve required to see out a difficult away result.

Unresolved point

The immediate concern is the extent of Gakpo’s injury after his 17th-minute departure. No further detail on the problem was provided.