The Netherlands secured a vital 2-1 victory over Serbia in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday. The win in Eindhoven keeps their qualification hopes firmly on track.
Teun Koopmeiners opened the scoring for the hosts in the 31st minute. Serbia hit back quickly, with Mihajlo Cvetkovic equalising just four minutes later. The decisive goal came from substitute Joshua Zirkzee in the 72nd minute, finishing from a Tijjani Reijnders assist.
Netherlands dominated possession with 65 percent and created 22 shots. Manager Ronald Koeman made changes in the second half, with Zirkzee replacing Mexx Meerdink at the break and making an immediate impact. Denzel Dumfries played the full ninety minutes. "The defender played the entire match and contributed to the play that led to the winning goal," the Dutch football association said.
Line-up
Bart Verbruggen started in goal. The defence featured Dumfries, Virgil van Dijk, Koopmeiners and Micky van de Ven. Ryan Gravenberch, Joey Veerman and Tijjani Reijnders formed the midfield. The attack consisted of Crysencio Summerville, Noa Lang and Mexx Meerdink. Zirkzee came on for Meerdink at half-time, with Ruben van Bommel, Jorrel Hato, Gjivai Zechiel and Quinten Timber entering later.
The three points move the Netherlands to eight points in Nations League Group 4. Their next fixture is a home game against Greece on 13 November. The current squad list is also available.
