Holland secured their first victory under new head coach Xavi Hernandez with a 2-1 win over Serbia in a UEFA Nations League match held in Belgrade on Sunday. This marked a positive response following a 1-1 draw against Germany in Xavi’s debut game on Thursday. The win puts the Dutch team on four points from two matches in Group A2.

Mexx Meerdink was the standout performer for Holland, scoring both goals. The AZ Alkmaar striker opened the scoring on the half-hour mark by converting a penalty awarded after Aleksa Terzic fouled Crysencio Summerville. This was Meerdink’s first international goal. Serbia responded quickly after halftime, leveling the score less than a minute into the second half through Luka Jovic, who was introduced at halftime by Serbia coach Veljko Paunovic. Jovic tapped in from close range following a goalmouth scramble.

However, Meerdink restored the lead for the visitors in the 69th minute with a precise left-footed finish assisted by substitute Guus Til, securing the victory. Earlier in the match, Serbia had a clear chance to take an early lead when Dejan Joveljic failed to capitalize on an unmarked position inside the Dutch penalty area. Holland also suffered a setback when Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo was forced off with an injury and replaced by Ruben van Bommel.

The appointment of Xavi as head coach followed Holland’s disappointing exit from the World Cup in the round of 32 against Morocco. Sunday's result offers a promising start to the former Barcelona star’s tenure.

Elsewhere in the Nations League Sunday fixtures, Denmark overcame Wales 2-0 in Copenhagen, bouncing back from a loss to Norway on Thursday. This victory extends Denmark’s recent dominance over Wales, marking their fourth consecutive win against the Welsh side in competitive fixtures. Denmark had notably failed to reach the World Cup after losing in the playoff shootout to the Czech Republic earlier this year. The win lifts Denmark’s spirits ahead of their remaining matches in Group A4.