Mexx Meerdink's debut double delights family watching at home

Mexx Meerdink, 23, scored twice on his first start for Oranje, while his family watched the action on television at home. Father Martijn, a former international, called the night ‘a special evening’ for the Meerdink household and felt immense pride.

National team boss Xavi Hernández summoned Mexx after Donyell Malen’s injury forced a reshuffle. Martijn recalled the rapid sequence, saying, “It has all happened very quickly.” He added, “And then so much happened in a short time.” Vader Martijn beamed as his son celebrated. Inzet: vader Martijn.

Debut against Germany

The Meerdink family gathered in front of the TV for the Thursday match at the Johan Cruyff Arena, where Mexx made his substitute debut against Germany, a 1‑1 draw. Martijn said, “We were already proud that he came on and he did well.” The experience set the tone for what followed.

Two goals seal victory over Serbia

On Sunday, the family tuned in again for the away fixture against Serbia in Belgrade. Mexx opened the scoring from the spot, a nervous penalty he converted cleanly, before adding the decisive second strike after half‑time. He later recalled, “I found it quite nerve‑wracking,” while his father noted, “I knew he could, because we practiced his left foot a lot on the fields of FC Winterswijk in his youth.” Inzet: Jan Ruland van den Brink.

Martijn, who played for De Graafschap, AZ and FC Groningen, earned his sole senior cap in March 2005 when Marco van Basten called him up for a World Cup qualifier against Romania, only to miss the game after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament two days earlier. He returned to the squad in February 2006 for a friendly versus Ecuador, providing the assist for Dirk Kuijt’s winning goal.

Reflecting on the night, Martijn said, “Thus it became a special evening for our family.” He added, “We know Mexx can do it, but we did not expect it to happen so quickly. For his confidence it is also very good that the national coach is so positive.” It truly was een bijzondere avond for the family. He laughed, “In terms of caps, Mexx now leads 2‑1.”

Oranje’s next games are Thursday in Thessaloniki against Greece and Sunday in Eindhoven versus Serbia, offering Mexx further chances to add to his tally.