Same opponent, same scoreline, bigger drama. One week after winning 2-1 in Belgrade, the Netherlands beat Serbia 2-1 again, this time at the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven on Sunday, October 4, 2026. A half-time substitute stole the show. Here is the full Netherlands vs Serbia 2-1 story.
Koopmeiners Gets the Party Started
On his first start under Xavi, Teun Koopmeiners whipped a low free kick from the right through a crowded box and into the far corner past goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. It was a fine strike, and it gave the hosts a lead they had earned.
Serbia Hit Back Immediately
The lead lasted four minutes. Cvetkovic rose above Koopmeiners to head home Aleksa Terzic’s cross for his first international goal. It also meant the Netherlands had conceded yet another goal in the last 15 minutes of the first half, with no team conceding more such goals this season.
Xavi’s Half-Time Gamble Pays Off
The Dutch controlled the ball but struggled to break down a stubborn Serbian defence. At half-time, Xavi sent on Zirkzee in place of Mexx Meerdink, and the change worked. In the 72nd minute, Tijjani Reijnders pulled the ball across the area and Zirkzee swept home a simple finish. It was only his second goal for the Oranje.
Verbruggen Holds the Line
Serbia refused to go quietly. Cvetkovic nearly scored again after getting past Koopmeiners, but his shot went wide, and the visitors had several other chances. Bart Verbruggen produced important saves to protect the lead, and the Dutch defence survived a nervous finish.
A Milestone Night for Van Dijk
The result had extra meaning for captain Virgil van Dijk, who marked his 100th international appearance. He couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate than a win in front of the home fans.
Nations League Table and What Comes Next
The Netherlands now have eight points and top Group A2 on goal difference ahead of Greece. Serbia are bottom with zero points. The result completes a Nations League double over Serbia and extends Xavi’s unbeaten start as head coach. It also closes his first international window with the Oranje in strong shape, though the side still have work to do on those first-half lapses.
Final Thoughts
Netherlands vs Serbia 2-1 was not a classic, but this is how groups are won. The Dutch were not perfect, and they were still good enough. If Xavi can fix the leaky spell before half-time, this team will be very hard to beat. Bookmark this page for every Nations League update, and tell us in the comments: is Zirkzee the answer up front?
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