Mexx Meerdink delivered a standout performance in a pivotal UEFA Nations League encounter, netting twice to hand Xavi Hernandez his maiden victory as Netherlands head coach. The Spanish tactician's side claimed a hard-fought 2-1 triumph in Belgrade, extending their remarkable competitive unbeaten streak to 18 matches without defeat after 90 minutes, compiling an impressive record of 10 wins and 8 draws across that run. The victory comes just three days after the Dutch secured a spirited 1-1 comeback draw against Germany, signaling promising early momentum under Xavi's watch at the helm of the Oranje.
The opening exchanges saw Serbia, playing as hosts desperate to arrest a troubling domestic form, briefly threaten the visitors when Sergej Milinkovic-Savic's angled strike curled just wide following a swift counter-attack. However, the Netherlands quickly asserted control, and with the Dutch ranked 31 positions higher than their opponents in FIFA's standings, they duly struck first from the penalty spot. After Aleksa Terzic was penalised for pushing Crysencio Summerville in the box, Meerdink stepped up and coolly converted past goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic to mark his first senior international goal. The opening half remained competitive despite this Dutch advantage, though Cody Gakpo's injury withdrawal proved a notable setback for Xavi's side.
Serbia emerged revitalized after the interval following substitute manager Veljko Paunovic's double change, introducing Dusan Tadic and Luka Jovic. The gambit paid immediate dividends when Jovic restored parity within 60 seconds of the restart, capitalizing on a scrambled Dutch defense to fire a left-footed finish past Bart Verbruggen. The momentum swung precariously, with Ruben van Bommel coming inches away from restoring the Dutch lead when his downward effort clipped the post, while Tijjani Reijnders blazed another opportunity high over the crossbar moments later. Yet Meerdink would prove decisive once more, expertly collecting Guus Til's pass into his stride before dispatching a clinical left-footed strike to restore Netherlands' lead and seal the result.
The victory marks a fourth consecutive defeat for Serbia across all competitions, while the Netherlands extended their unbeaten start to this Nations League campaign and bolstered an exceptional away record, remaining undefeated in their previous 12 matches on foreign soil in regulation time, including 7 wins and 5 draws. Despite late pressure from a spirited Serbian side—notably when Jovic's header from Dusan Tadic's corner drifted agonizingly wide—the hosts ultimately departed empty-handed, while Xavi's men consolidated their promising start under new management.