Joshua Zirkzee scored the winning goal as the Netherlands defeated Serbia to move top of their UEFA Nations League group with two matches remaining.
The Manchester United forward came on at half-time and restored the Netherlands’ lead in Eindhoven with a close-range finish from Tijjani Reijnders’ pass across goal. Teun Koopmeiners had earlier put the hosts ahead just after the half-hour mark. Making his first start under new Netherlands head coach Xavi, the Juventus midfielder curled a free-kick through a crowded penalty area and into the far bottom corner.
Serbia responded four minutes later when Mihajlo Cvetkovic rose above Koopmeiners to head past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and score his first international goal. Zirkzee then provided the decisive moment after the break, finishing from close range after Reijnders created the opening.
The Netherlands had further opportunities to extend their advantage, with Joey Veerman and Reijnders both going close, but the hosts held on for another 2-1 victory over Serbia. The result follows the Netherlands’ identical victory in Belgrade seven days earlier. Two successive wins over Serbia have strengthened their position at the top of Group A2 with two fixtures still to play.
For Serbia, the defeat leaves them without a win at the bottom of the group. Meanwhile, Xavi has maintained his unbeaten start as Netherlands head coach after four matches in charge. His record currently stands at two wins and two draws.
