Serbia – Netherlands: Meerdink brace secures Xavi his first victory (1-2)

The Netherlands earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Serbia in their UEFA Nations League fixture at a hostile Stadium Rajko Mitić in Belgrade. Xavi Hernández's side established initial dominance before finding themselves pegged back early in the second half. However, a clinically converted first-half penalty followed by a sharp second-half finish from striker Mexx Meerdink proved decisive, allowing Oranje to weather a spirited late Serbian onslaught and claim all three points.

Tactical analysis and match report by Aderemi Qoyum.

The structural battle saw Veljko Paunović and Xavi Hernández confront each other with distinct tactical frameworks.

Serbia lined up in a 5-4-1 formation on paper with Vanja Milinković-Savić starting in goal behind a defensive unit composed of wingbacks Kosta Nedeljković and Aleksa Terzić flanking center-backs Nemanja Gudelj, Srđan Babić, and Strahinja Pavlović. Saša Lukić and Aleksandar Stanković formed the double pivot in midfield, while Sergej Milinković-Savić and Andrija Živković acted as wide midfielders who tucked into the half-spaces in possession behind lone striker Dejan Joveljić.

The Netherlands responded in a 4-3-3 shape. Bart Verbruggen anchored the goal protected by a back line of Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, and Micky van de Ven. Joey Veerman occupied the deep midfield anchor role, flanked by Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders. Up front, Mexx Meerdink led the attack through the middle, flanked by Cody Gakpo on the left wing and Crysencio Summerville on the right. An early injury forced Gakpo off in the 17th minute, bringing Ruben van Bommel onto the pitch as a direct replacement.

Oranje in . . .