Football
Oranje Plays Roughly but Earns Victory Against Serbia: Strong Start Under New Coach Xavi
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The Netherlands national team defeated Serbia 2-1 in a Nations League away match in Belgrado, securing their first win under new coach Xavi Hernández. Young AZ striker Mexx Meerdink scored both goals, one from a penalty and another from a diagonal shot, to secure the victory despite the team's sometimes vulnerable defense. The win came after key attacker Cody Gakpo was forced off with an ankle injury early in the game, further thinning an already depleted attacking lineup that has also seen Donyell Malen and Brian Brobbey sidelined. Xavi opted for Joey Veerman in midfield to help dismantle Serbia's defensive block, a strategy that proved effective against the physically strong Serbian side.
Ozetta summarises; the reporting is the newsroom's