Meerdink's brace lifts Netherlands past Serbia in Nations League clash

Mexx Meerdink delivered a decisive Doppelpack as the Netherlands edged Serbia 2‑1 in Belgrade, securing three points in the Nations League Group M. The Alkmaar striker opened the scoring from the spot in the 30th minute before adding the winner in the 69th, sealing the victory for the Oranje Elftal.

The Info ticker displayed Alle Teams competing in the Nations League, with both sides placed in Group M alongside Germany. Early in the first half, Serbian left‑back Aleksa Terzic was fouled, prompting Polish referee Szymon Marciniak to award a penalty.

First half drama

Mexx Meerdink, the Alkmaar forward, stepped up and slotted the penalty past goalkeeper Vanja Milinković‑Savić, giving the Oranje a 1‑0 lead after 30 minutes. The penalty gave the Netherlands an early advantage before Serbia could settle.

Serbia responded swiftly; one minute after the restart of the second half, Luka Jovic found the net to level the score. The goal restored parity and shifted momentum back to the hosts.

Gakpo falls after 16 minutes, Van Bommel comes on against Serbia

Second‑half turning points

In the 69th minute Meerdink struck again, this time from open play, firing a flat shot from an Eck into the right corner to restore the lead for the Netherlands. The strike left the Serbian defence reeling and forced them onto the back foot.

Both teams endured setbacks. Cody Gakpo limped off after a challenge from Sasa Lukic and was replaced by Ruben van Bommel, who had earlier set up the equaliser against Germany. Denzel Dumfries and Joey Veerman each missed clear chances before half‑time, while Tijjani Reijnders saw his penalty effort sail over the bar. Beide Teams struggled to create further clear opportunities in the closing stages.

Serbian coach Veljko Paunovic made decisive changes at the break, introducing star forward Dusan Tadic and Luka Jovic, whose early involvement sparked a brief Serbian surge that tested Bart Verbruggen. His substitutions aimed to revive the Serbian attack after a sluggish first half.

Meerdink shines in Belgrade, but midfielders show their bite

Jovic later struck a header from a corner that rattled the crossbar in the 78th minute, and again threatened in the 88th before Verbruggen produced a last‑minute save, sealing the 2‑1 win for the Netherlands. Verbruggen's save ensured the Netherlands held on for the three points.