Mexm Meridnk emerged as the standout player in the UEFA Nations League clash between Serbia and Netherlands during the second round. His brace in Belgrade secured the first victory for the Dutch under Xavi‘s management.
The Netherlands suffered an early blow when Cody Gakpo was forced off in the 17th minute following a foul by Sasa Lukic. This setback complicated the visitors’ task as they faced a well-organized Serbian defense. Despite the challenge, the Dutch opened the scoring before halftime. In the 30th minute, Summerwill was brought down in the Serbian penalty area, and Meridnk confidently converted the resulting penalty.
At halftime, the hosts made two substitutions, introducing experienced Dusan Tadic and Luka Jovic. This tactical move paid off quickly, allowing Serbia to restore parity. Both substitutes played a direct role in the equalizing goal, with Jovic finishing off the move with a precise strike to make it 1-1.
The Netherlands had to find a way back into the lead, which they managed in the 69th minute when Meridnk scored his second goal of the match, putting the visitors ahead 2-1 and ultimately securing the win for the “Oranje”.
After two matches, the Netherlands have accumulated four points and will next face Greece on October 1. Meanwhile, Serbia have suffered two defeats and are preparing for an upcoming away game against Germany.
UEFA Nations League 2026-27
Serbia – Netherlands 1:2 (0:1)
Goals: Meridnk 30 (penalty) (0:1); Jovic L. 46 (1:1); Meridnk 69 (1:2)
Serbia: Milinkovic-Savic V.; Nedeljkovic (Erakovic, 59); Pavlovic S. (Kostic F., 71); Babic Sr.; Terzic; Stankovic Al. (Maximovic Nem., 59); Gudelj; Milinkovic-Savic S. (Tadic Du., 46); Lukic; Jovelic (Jovic L., 46); Zivkovic A.
Substitutions: Jovic L. (from 46); Tadic Du. (from 46); Erakovic (from 59); Maximovic Nem. (from 59); Kostic F. (from 71)
Reserves: Petrovic Dj.; Stankovic F.; Simic; Dragojevic; Djodic; Samardzic L.; Cvetkovic
Yellow cards: Lukic 12
Netherlands: Verbruggen; van Dijk; van Hecke; van de Ven; Dumfries (Timber Y., 80); Gravenberch R. (Til G., 67); Reinders (Taylor Ke., 67); Veerman J.; Summerwill; Gakpo (van Bommel R., 17); Meridnk (Timber K., 80)
Substitutions: van Bommel R. (from 17); Til G. (from 67); Taylor Ke. (from 67); Timber Y. (from 80); Timber K. (from 80)
Reserves: Ruufs; Flecken; Hato; Ake; Koopmeiners T.; Lang N.; Zirkzee
Yellow cards: Timber Y. 85
