Meerdink shines in Belgrade, but midfielders show their bite
The cold Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade, nicknamed the Marakana, trembled when the Dutch squad, the Oranje, booked a 1‑2 victory over Serbia. It was the first win under national coach Xavi Hernández and Mexx Meerdink scored both goals, including a penalty. The atmosphere was fairly calm, with a modestly filled stand.
Meerdink’s impact
Mexx Meerdink, who earned his second cap and first start, immediately impressed by converting the penalty in the 28th minute and scoring again in the 69th minute. His two strikes gave the Oranje the lead and confirmed his reputation as a specialist. With a rating of 8 he was the highest‑rated player of the evening.
The striker proved not only a finisher but also active in the build‑up: he often dropped back to receive the ball and sent Denzel Dumfries toward the Serbian goal. His runs and positioning created space for the wide players.
Midfield and other players
Joey Veerman received a 7 and was the engine behind the play, with at least 135 touches – the first rating of that level since Wesley Sneijder in 2014. Ryan Gravenberch got a 5.5 and did not seem in his usual form, while Tijjani Reijnders received a 5.5 and often found little space.
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Cody Gakpo left the field after an injury in the first quarter, causing substitute Ruben van Bommel to earn only a 6.5 and provide a nice assist, but no decisive action. Guus Til came on in the second half, gave Meerdink the pass for the second goal and received no rating himself.
Bart Verbruggen, the goalkeeper, received a 6.5. He was calm in the first half, but after the break had to intervene well twice, after which a third close‑range attempt was missed. Denzel Dumfries also received a 6.5; he slipped a few times, but delivered a crucial cross that saw Van Bommel fly past the post.
The other defenders scored average ratings: Virgil van Dijk received a 6, Jan Paul van Hecke a 5, Micky van de Ven a 6 and Crysencio Summerville a 6.5, but their contributions did not produce decisive moments.
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With the win the Oranje earned four points from two Nations‑League matches; the previous game ended in a 1‑1 draw against Germany in Amsterdam. Serbia later that same evening suffered a third consecutive defeat to Greece (1‑2). Xavi could breathe a sigh of relief, as his team performed better after the break and thus broke the predictability that had dominated the first half.