Xavi Gets First Win as Netherlands Coach, Denmark Beats Wales

The Netherlands gave Xavi Hernandez his first win as coach with a 2-1 Nations League victory over Serbia in Belgrade on Sunday. Denmark also won their match against Wales.

The Dutch team had a 1-1 draw with Germany in Xavi’s first match on Thursday. But two goals from Mexx Meerdink helped them defeat a tough Serbia, bringing their points to four from two games in Group A2.

The Oranje turned to Xavi after a disappointing exit in the World Cup against Morocco in the last-32.

Serbia missed a great chance to take the lead in the 17th minute. Dejan Joveljic shot straight at Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen while he was completely unmarked in the area.

Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo had to leave the game due to injury, which was a setback for the Netherlands. Ruben van Bommel replaced him.

Xavi’s team took the lead at the half-hour mark. AZ Alkmaar striker Meerdink scored from a penalty, his first international goal, after Aleksa Terzic fouled Crysencio Summerville.

Serbia coach Veljko Paunovic made a change at half-time, bringing on striker Luka Jovic. This move paid off quickly as Jovic scored less than a minute into the second half, turning the ball in after a goalmouth scramble.

The visitors regained the lead in the 69th minute. Meerdink, who made his Netherlands debut against Germany, fired a left-footed shot into the bottom corner after being set up by substitute Guus Til.

Denmark bounced back from a dramatic loss to Norway on Thursday. They defeated Wales 2-0 in Copenhagen in Group A4.

The Scandinavians, who missed out on the World Cup after losing a penalty shoot-out to the Czech Republic, have now won their last four matches against Wales.

Home forward Gustav Isaksen had a first-half goal ruled out for offside. Mikkel Damsgaard also hit the post with a shot.

Denmark took the lead eight minutes into the second half. Wales captain Ben Davies accidentally diverted Damsgaard’s free-kick into his own net while trying to defend against Rasmus Hojlund.

Denmark made it 2-0 13 minutes later. Isaksen’s shot deflected off the crossbar after Wales struggled to clear a set-piece, following their loss to Portugal in the opening match.