The Netherlands strengthened their position at the top of the UEFA Nations League standings while maintaining their unbeaten record with a 2-1 victory over Serbia in Group A2 on Sunday night (October 4).
Playing at home at the Philips Stadium, the Dutch side started aggressively and created an early opportunity in the third minute after a mistake by Serbian goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. However, Mex Meerdink and Noa Lang failed to capitalise.
The Netherlands eventually took the lead in the 31st minute. Teun Koopmeiners converted a superb free kick with a low shot to put the hosts ahead.
Their advantage lasted only four minutes, however. Serbia levelled through Mihailo Cvetkovic, who rose to head in a precise cross from the left by Aleksa Terzic.
Serbia had a great chance to take the lead early in the second half. Dusan Tadic played Cvetkovic through on goal, but despite being one-on-one with the goalkeeper, his shot went just wide of the post.
The Netherlands then created several chances of their own. Tijjani Reijnders missed a relatively easy opportunity, increasing the hosts’ concerns about the outcome.
Those concerns were finally eased in the 72nd minute when substitute Joshua Zirkzee restored the Netherlands’ lead. After Reijnders created the opportunity, the Manchester United forward calmly finished from inside the six-yard box to make it 2-1.
Serbia pushed for an equaliser late in the match, but Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk helped keep the defence organised.
Playing in his 100th international match, Van Dijk made nine clearances and took four shots. The Dutch defence also dealt with a long-range effort from Nemanja Gudelj during stoppage time.
The Netherlands held on for the 2-1 victory. They registered 22 shots during the match and remain top of Group A2 with eight points from four matches.
