Xavi Hernandez recorded his first victory as Netherlands head coach on Sunday as his side edged Serbia 2-1 in Belgrade in the Nations League, while Denmark claimed a 2-0 win over Wales.
The Netherlands had opened Xavi’s reign with a 1-1 draw against Germany on Thursday, but two goals from Mexx Meerdink helped the Dutch overcome Serbia and take their points tally to four from their opening two matches in Group A2.
The Oranje appointed former Barcelona star Xavi following their disappointing elimination from the World Cup in the last 32 against Morocco.
Serbia had an early chance to take control when Dejan Joveljic found himself unmarked inside the Dutch penalty area in the 17th minute, but his effort went straight at goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
The Netherlands were then dealt another setback when Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo was forced off with an injury and replaced by Ruben van Bommel.
However, the visitors took the lead shortly before the half-hour mark. AZ Alkmaar forward Meerdink converted from the penalty spot for his first international goal after Aleksa Terzic brought down Crysencio Summerville.
Serbia coach Veljko Paunovic responded by introducing Luka Jovic at the interval, and the substitution quickly paid dividends. The former Real Madrid striker levelled the score less than a minute into the second half after the ball fell to him during a scramble in front of goal.
The Netherlands restored their advantage in the 69th minute, with Meerdink finding the bottom corner with his left foot after substitute Guus Til supplied the pass.
Wales beaten again
Denmark recovered from their dramatic defeat by Norway on Thursday by defeating Wales 2-0 in Copenhagen in Group A4.
The result extended Denmark’s winning run against Wales to four consecutive matches. The Danes had previously missed out on the World Cup after losing to the Czech Republic on penalties in the play-offs.
Denmark thought they had taken the lead in the first half when Gustav Isaksen found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Mikkel Damsgaard later came close when his effort struck the post.
The hosts finally broke the deadlock eight minutes after the restart when Wales captain Ben Davies turned Damsgaard’s free-kick into his own goal with his arm while under pressure from Rasmus Hojlund.
Denmark added a second 13 minutes later. Isaksen’s attempt took a deflection before looping onto the crossbar and into the net, after Wales once again struggled to defend a set-piece.
Wales had begun their Nations League campaign with a defeat against Portugal.
In League B, Austria maintained their perfect start with a 3-1 victory over Kosovo in Vienna. David Affengruber, Junior Adamu and Carney Chukwuemeka were all on target for the Austrians.
Later on Sunday, Ireland were scheduled to face Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, after the fixture was allowed to proceed despite concerns surrounding the war in Gaza.
Since being drawn alongside Israel in the Nations League, prominent Irish figures, including sports personalities, supporters’ groups and pro-Palestinian campaigners, have opposed the matches taking place.
Ireland’s home fixture against Israel on October 4 has also been relocated from Dublin’s Aviva Stadium to Backa Topola in Serbia because of concerns about possible disruption and security.
