Xavi’s Netherlands beat Serbia thanks to Meerdink brace

Xavi Hernández secured his first victory in charge of the Netherlands, who defeated Serbia 2-1 at the old Maracanã. Mexx Meerdink, 23, struck twice to answer the Serbian goal from former Real Madrid player Luka Jovic.

The Dutch came into the match after an encouraging performance against Germany, though the game ended in a 1-1 draw secured late on. Meerdink had made his Netherlands debut against Germany on Thursday, before making his first start following Brobbey’s injury.

The AZ forward is the son of Martijn, an international at the start of the century. He had already made a name for himself as the hero of AZ’s Youth League 22-23 triumph, recording two goals and an assist in the final, ahead of young players at the time such as Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Nico Paz.

With a side close to the one used on Thursday and Meerdink replacing Brobbey, the Netherlands looked to settle the match early. Meerdink opened the scoring in the 28th minute from the penalty spot after a foul on Summerville. The visitors then controlled the first half with 65% possession, despite Gakpo leaving injured and being replaced by young Ruben Van Bommel.

At half-time, Serbia coach Paunovic made changes, including bringing Luka Jovic on as the central striker. In the very first minute, the AEK Athens forward levelled in a crowded penalty-area sequence that Dumfries misread after being caught out, before Jovic finished the move.

Xavi’s side then regained control. Two chances came before Meerdink’s second goal: Van Bommel hit the post and Reijnders fired over. Meerdink then made it 1-2 and delivered Xavi Hernández’s first three points. Serbia tried to respond, with Jovic narrowly missing the chance to make it 2-2 with a header. Xavi brought on the two Timber brothers to gain greater control of the closing stages, and the Netherlands held their advantage to the final whistle.