Xavi Hernandez off the mark! Mexx Meerdink brace secures first victory for Netherlands boss in hard-fought Serbia win

Xavi Hernandez has officially tasted victory as the head coach of the Netherlands following a tense 2-1 win over Serbia in Belgrade. A clinical double from rising star Mexx Meerdink proved the difference as the Oranje maintained their impressive momentum in the UEFA Nations League.

The dawn of the Xavi era at the helm of the Dutch national team had begun with a promising, if slightly frustrating, 1-1 draw against Germany earlier in the week. Heading to Belgrade, the former Barcelona manager knew that a statement result was required to truly kickstart his tenure. Facing a Serbian side desperate to rectify a difficult year, the visitors initially found under pressure when Sergej Milinkovic-Savic unleashed a dangerous effort that narrowly missed the target.