Meerdink Double Gives Xavi First Win as Netherlands Coach, Gakpo Hurt

Xavi Hernandez earned his first win as Netherlands head coach as Mexx Meerdink scored twice in a 2-1 victory away to Serbia in Belgrade, lifting the Dutch to the top of Nations League Group A2, though the win was overshadowed by an ankle injury to Cody Gakpo.

The 23-year-old AZ Alkmaar striker, making his first international start, opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 30th minute after Crysencio Summerville was fouled by Aleksa Terzic. Serbia levelled through Luka Jovic in the 43rd minute, but Meerdink restored the lead in the 69th minute, converting a chance created by Ruben van Bommel, who has now set up a goal in each of his first two games for the Dutch.

Meerdink had only been called up as a late replacement for the injured Justin Kluivert and Donyell Malen, and has now scored two goals in as many appearances. Gakpo, who had scored in the 1-1 draw with Germany on Xavi's debut, lasted only 17 minutes after a heavy tackle from Sasa Lukic, and was replaced by Van Bommel. "It's his ankle, that's all I know," Xavi said. "Tomorrow we will know, but hopefully it's not too important." Gakpo is reported to be undergoing scans on Monday, and the news will concern Liverpool, who are already without Alexander Isak, who returned early from Sweden duty with a minor injury.

The Netherlands moved to four points, while Serbia remain bottom without a point. The Dutch next travel to face Greece on October 1.