Xavi Hernandez recorded his first win as Netherlands head coach when his side beat Serbia 2-1 in a UEFA Nations League Group A2 game in Belgrade on Sunday, reporters said.
AZ Alkmaar forward Mexx Meerdink scored both goals for the visitors, converting a penalty on 30 minutes and firing a left-footed finish in the 69th minute after substitute Guus Til set him up, according to coverage by Vanguard and Punch.
Serbia had a clear chance early when Dejan Joveljic, unmarked in the area, directed a shot straight at Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen in the 17th minute. The hosts drew level almost immediately after the interval when Luka Jovic turned the ball in following a goalmouth scramble, the reports said. Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo hobbled off injured for the Netherlands and was replaced by Ruben van Bommel.
The result leaves the Netherlands on four points from two Nations League matches in Group A2, the reports added.
Denmark beat Wales 2-0
In Group A4, Denmark beat Wales 2-0 in Copenhagen. The home side took the lead eight minutes into the second half when Wales captain Ben Davies diverted a Mikkel Damsgaard free-kick into his own net while under pressure from Rasmus Hojlund, and Gustav Isaksen’s deflected effort spun in off the crossbar 13 minutes later for the second goal, both outlets reported.
Denmark had a first-half strike by Isaksen ruled out for offside and saw a Damsgaard effort hit the post before the goals arrived. The Scandinavian side have now won their last four meetings with Wales, the reports said.
Other Nations League results and fixture changes
In League B, Austria beat Kosovo 3-1 in Vienna. David Affengruber, Junior Adamu and Carney Chukwuemeka were named among the scorers for Austria in the match, the reports said.
Separately, both outlets reported a decision to go ahead with the Ireland v Israel fixture, to be played in Debrecen, Hungary, after a late decision despite unease over the war in Gaza. Ireland’s designated home match on October 4 has been moved from Dublin’s Aviva Stadium to Backa Topola, Serbia, following concerns about disruption and security, the coverage added. The reports also said prominent Irish figures, including sportspeople, fan groups and pro-Palestinian campaigners, had protested the ties going ahead.
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