La Naranja MeXavicánica triumphs under Xavi against Serbia
In Belgrade stadium, Xavi Hernández managed the Netherlands national team and achieved their first win under the name ‘The MeXavicanic Orange’ by beating Serbia 2-1, with a brace from Meerdink and a controversial penalty awarded to the Dutch.
Xavi, third choice after the rejection of Guardiola and Slot
Nigel de Jong himself, sporting director of the Netherlands national team, told the press that Xavi was the third option and arrived at the ‘the Oranje’ bench after the ‘no’ from Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot. Despite that circumstance, the Terrassa coach does not present himself as the definitive candidate, although his first steps as manager exceed expectations. Javier Alfaro, head of the Football section at EFE, highlighted the speed with which Xavi adapted to the role.
Dutch initiative from the whistle
From the kickoff, Serbia handed the ball to the ‘the Oranje’, which received it gladly and took the initiative at every moment. Possession remained high and the team showed the desire to attack down the flanks, a hallmark of Xavi, a lover of wide players. In midfield, Crysencio Summerville acted as a catalyst, creating imbalances that forced the Serbian side to retreat.
Controversial penalty and Meerdink brace
Summerville won a penalty after a clash with Terzic that, according to referee Marciniak, deserved the twelve‑yard signal. Meerdink struck the shot with power, beating goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic‑Savic and opening the scoring in the 30th minute. Just a week later, the AZ striker made his debut for the ‘the Oranje’ at 23 and was already showing his decisive ability.
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Serbian response and temporary equaliser
At halftime, Serbian coach Paunovic brought on Luka Jovic, a former Real Madrid player, who, without touching the ball, out‑muscled Verbruggen and restored the equaliser. The unexpected goal forced the Netherlands to rethink their strategy and look for a second goal to secure the win.
Winning goal and match closure
Meerdink resurfaced in the 69th minute, assisted by Guus Til, who had just come on, and fired into the corner, leaving Vanja with no chance. That second goal sealed the 2‑1 victory and confirmed the effectiveness of Xavi’s attacking setup. Ruben Van Bommel and Reijnders missed clear chances, but did not prevent the final result.
Cody Gakpo injury and upcoming fixture
The only bad news for the Dutch was Cody Gakpo’s injury, who left the pitch in the first half with discomfort in his left leg. According to reports, the Liverpool striker will not be available for next Thursday, when the Netherlands travel to Greece for another fixture.
Hard tackle by Saša Lukic puts Dutch striker Cody Gakpo out early
Assessment of Xavi’s arrival
The fact that Xavi was the third option, after the ‘no’ from Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot, seems to have turned into a blessing for the ‘the Oranje’. With this first win, the ‘MeXavicanic Orange’ shows that Xavi’s project is taking shape and that the immediate future of the team is in good hands.