Van Dijk Set for 100th Netherlands Cap Against Serbia in Nations League
The Netherlands can move to the top of UEFA Nations League Group 2 when they face Serbia at the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven, with captain Virgil van Dijk in line for his 100th senior international appearance.
Xavi Hernandez’s side are unbeaten after three group matches but sit second, two points behind Greece. Their latest outing ended in a 2-2 draw in Thessaloniki, where the Oranje recovered after falling behind before half-time.
Quick facts
- The Netherlands host Serbia at the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven.
- The Oranje are second in Group 2, two points behind Greece.
- A Dutch win and dropped points for Germany against Greece would put the Netherlands first.
- Serbia are bottom of the group and have yet to collect a point.
- Virgil van Dijk could become the 11th Netherlands player to reach 100 senior caps.
Victory over Serbia, combined with Germany failing to beat Greece, would send the Netherlands into first place. The hosts have dealt with a number of injuries during the campaign but have avoided defeat in the competition.
Van Dijk helped launch the comeback against Greece, although he made clear that the side’s opening-half performance remains the more pressing concern ahead of the Serbia match.
“It is a great milestone, but that is not the focus at the moment,” Van Dijk said. “We need to sit down together because the first half was unacceptable.”
Xavi praised the Liverpool defender’s standing within the squad as the captain approaches the landmark. The coach said the occasion could carry emotion for Van Dijk and described him as a natural leader in the national-team environment.
“I am very happy to work with him. He is a real leader and fits in perfectly,” Xavi said. “One hundred caps is incredible. Whether he plays, we will see tomorrow.”
Serbia arrive in Eindhoven seeking their first points of the group stage, while the Netherlands have the chance to turn an unbeaten start into control of the section.
