Netherlands forward Mexx Meerdink scored twice on his full international debut to secure a 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory against Serbia at the Rajko Mitic Stadium. Handed a start due to Brian Brobbey’s injury, Meerdink struck a first-half penalty and a sliding 78th-minute winner.
For a young forward who was a substitute against Germany just days prior, the transition to match-winner in Belgrade happened in a blur.
Debut Call-Up and Ice-Cool Penalty Under Pressure
Head coach Xavi Hernández handed Meerdink his first full international start at the Rajko Mitic Stadium after Brian Brobbey was sidelined with an injury. The young striker wasted no time making his mark, opening the scoring with a penalty kick after Crysencio Summerville drew a foul inside the box.
It is a childhood dream,
Meerdink told reporters. Everything has happened so quickly this week.
I felt a little pressure before the penalty, but to score twice and help the team win feels great.
It is a childhood dream. Everything has happened so quickly this week. I felt a little pressure before the penalty, but to score twice and help the team win feels great.
Mexx Meerdink, Netherlands forward
Serbia’s Equalizer and the 78th-Minute Winner
The hosts struck back early in the second half when Luka Jović equalized, putting pressure on the visiting Dutch side. As the match wore on in Belgrade, Meerdink provided the decisive response.
In the 78th minute, Guus Til delivered a pass that Meerdink met with a sliding finish past the Serbian defense, sealing the 2-1 scoreline and securing three points for the Oranje.
Xavi’s Tactical Trust and Defensive Work Rate
Beyond his finishing, Meerdink earned strong praise from manager Xavi for his relentless defensive contribution and off-the-ball pressing. Operating as the central attacking focal point, the AZ striker consistently disrupted Serbia’s build-up play while linking up effectively in possession with Joey Veerman and Til, according to match reports.
Momentum Heading Into Greece Encounter
The victory marks the Netherlands’ first win of the campaign under Xavi. Meerdink and his teammates now turn their focus to a Thursday Nations League fixture against group leaders Greece in Thessaloniki, where the forward aims to build on his momentum and retain his place in the starting lineup.