Meerdink and Veerman lead Xavi to first Nations League win

Three minutes after taking charge, Xavi Hernández secured his first victory as head coach of the Netherlands, while Mexx Meerdink Veerman was the standout performer in the Nations League clash against Serbia. The match at the Rajko Mitic Stadium delivered a bleak atmosphere but also a convincing 1‑2 win for Orange.

Historical context and atmosphere

The Rajko Mitic Stadium, situated on historic ground where Antonín Panenka decided the Euro final in 1976, offered a half‑empty stand that reflected the gloomy mood of the national team. Serbia had on Thursday still lost to Greece (1‑2) and had altered its lineup, which increased the pressure on Orange.

In the Nations League clash Serbia set up a wall in front of its own goal and looked for the counter‑attack, forcing the Netherlands to find a solution, a task Koeman often struggled with. Xavi was lucky when, after a quarter of an hour, a foul on Crysencio Summerville brought the ball to the spot, because until that moment Orange was not yet dangerous.

Meerdink's impact and Veerman's role

Mexx Meerdink scored from eleven metres his first international goal and after the break grew into the match‑winner with the 1‑2. He recently said after an Eredivisie win over Telstar: “I haven’t earned it yet”, after which he was called up hours later following the loss of Donyell Malen.

Joey Veerman acted as a director in midfield, with Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders in front of him. The Volendam native displayed the same control as at PSV and now at Borussia Dortmund, and his passing technique proved crucial in the build‑up to the second goal.

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Critics claim that Veerman sometimes lets his man run and does not always defend sharply, but the benefits clearly outweigh the drawbacks. The team benefits from his insight and the openings he creates.

Injury woes have not spared Orange: Cody Gakpo was already forced off after a quarter of an hour against Serbia due to a tap on his ankle, meaning he will miss the matches against Greece (1 October) and Serbia (4 October). Brian Brobbey and Lutsharel Geertruida also had to leave the squad because of physical discomfort, while Donyell Malenerialize and Justin Kluivert had already said goodbye earlier.

The clash showed that with a bit more luck Xavi’s side could have scored more often, but the dominant moments were enough for a first victory. The League remains exciting and still offers many opportunities for Orange.

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In the coming weeks Orange must compensate for the absence of Gakpo and Brobbey in the crucial matches against Greece and Serbia, with Veerman’s direction and Meerdink’s sharpness potentially taking centre stage again.