Netherlands narrowly beat Serbia in Nations League

Virgil van Dijk van Nederland and Filip Kostic from Serbia during the game on Sunday. Photo: Sonny Lensen/ANP

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The Netherlands men’s football team beat Serbia 2-1 in the Nations League in Eindhoven on Sunday, marking Xavi Hernández’s second win in four games as head coach.

Substitute Joshua Zirkzee scored the winning goal in the 71st minute in a game that also marked captain Virgil van Dijk’s 100th cap, public broadcaster NOS reported.

Teun Koopmeiners put the home side ahead in the first half with a free kick. Serbia equalised soon afterwards by a goal from 19-year-old Anderlecht striker Mihajlo Cvetkovic.

Zirkzee tapped in the winner from close range after Crysencio Summerville’s cross was laid back by Tijjani Reijnders. The Dutch finished with 10 men after Micky van de Ven went off with a hand injury, as Xavi had already used all his substitutes.

Xavi, who was appointed in August, has now won twice and drawn twice in his first four games. Germany and Greece drew 0-0 on Sunday, which leaves the Netherlands joint top of their group.

The next round of international matches is in November.

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