UEFA Nations League – Meldink scores twice as Netherlands defeat Serbia 2-1 away.

In the second round of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League group stage, the Netherlands defeated Serbia 2-1 away from home. They are currently second in Group B with a record of 1 win and 1 draw, 2 points behind leaders Greece.

After the start of the first half, the Netherlands and Serbia traded attacks, each having their share of chances. In the 17th minute, Costa Nedjkovic crossed from the right wing, and Dejan Jovelic's close-range shot was saved by Bart Februlgen. In the 18th minute, Tejani Reindes headed the ball down in the attacking third, and Mexes Meldink's long-range shot was saved by Vania Milinkovic-Savic. In the 20th minute, Joey Fährmann delivered a diagonal pass, and Reindes' long-range shot was also saved.

In the 28th minute, the Netherlands broke the deadlock: Crisencio Somerville broke through on the right wing into the penalty area and was brought down by Alexei Terčić, and the referee immediately awarded a penalty. Meldink converted the penalty, giving the Oranje the lead. In the 38th minute, Meldink held off his opponent and passed the ball across to Denzel Dumfries, who broke into the right side of the penalty area and fired a low shot from a tight angle, which was saved by Milinkovic-Savic.

After the break, Serbia launched an immediate attack. Less than a minute later, Sasha Lukic assisted Luka Jovic in the penalty area to pull one back, leveling the score. However, the Netherlands immediately launched a fierce counterattack: in the 53rd minute, Dumfries crossed from the right side of the penalty area, and Ruben Van Bommel's shot from the center hit the post. In the 59th minute, Dumfries cut back from the right, and Reindes' follow-up shot went wildly high. In the 65th minute, Van Bommel cut inside from the left and passed back to the edge of the box, where Ryan Hrafinberg's long-range shot was saved by Milinkovic-Savic.

In the 69th minute, Husztiel passed the ball across the penalty area, and Meldink followed up with a low shot into the bottom right corner. With Meldink completing his brace, the Netherlands regained the lead. Neither side managed to score again, and the final score remained 2-0.

With this victory, Xavi finally secured his first win as manager of the Netherlands. As for Serbia, they are currently at the bottom of the group after suffering two consecutive defeats.

Image source: Internet/ESPN