Joshua Zirkzee's 72nd-minute strike ensured the Netherlands continued their unbeaten Nations League run after overcoming a stubborn Serbia 2-1 in Group A2.

2026/2027 UEFA Nations League

2-1

Match Report 

After Teun Koopmeiners fired in a free-kick, Serbia instantly levelled thanks to Mihajlo Cvetkovic's header at Philips Stadion.

But, with both sides missing a host of chances, it was Zirkzee's close-range strike which settled the contest.

The Netherlands almost made Vanja Milinkovic-Savic pay for his sloppiness inside the opening three minutes, but Mexx Meerdink was unable to keep his shot down before Noa Lang dragged an attempt wide of the post.

However, the Oranje took the lead in the 31st minute, with Koopmeiners fizzing a free-kick into the bottom-right corner. 

But the Netherlands' lead lasted only four minutes as Serbia grabbed a shock equaliser thanks to Cvetkovic’s header.

It all came from Aleksa Terzic's left-wing delivery, with Cvetkovic guiding a finish into the far corner. That was the third goal the Netherlands have conceded in the last 15 minutes of the first half, with no team conceding more such goals so far in the 2026-27 Nations League.

The visitors should have taken the lead within 48 seconds of the second half, but Cvetkovic steered an effort wide of the upright after being played through on goal by Dusan Tadic. 

After grabbing an equaliser against Greece in the Netherlands' previous Nations League encounter, Tijjani Reijnders should have scored after being slipped in by Joey Veerman, but the midfielder lashed a bouncing shot wide of the far post.

However, Reijnders was involved in the decisive goal, as Zirkzee swept home a 72nd-minute finish, ensuring Xavi's side sit top of Group A2.

Three points at home! 🇳🇱 https://t.co/kjh0tOI065

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) October 4, 2026

Zirkzee the hero in Eindhoven

With the Netherlands struggling to break down a stubborn Serbia defence, it was looking like more dropped points for the Oranje.

However, Xavi decided to bring on Zirkzee for the second half, and his change paid off.

The Manchester United striker showed great instinct to be in the box at the right time to sweep home a six-yard finish.

That was Zirkzee's only attempt on target. Virgil van Dijk, on his 100th appearance for the Oranje, also made a vital contribution in the heart of defence, making nine clearances, while having four shots. 

The Netherlands are undefeated in their last eight games in the Nations League, while having scored in four of their four games, with no team having done so more often in the competition.

Xavi's team registered 22 shots, with seven on target, and they created chances worth a combined 2.75 expected goals (xG).

Meanwhile, Serbia, who almost equalised in stoppage time through Nemanja Gudelj's long-range strike, mustered an xG of 1.66 from 14 shots.

Match Events

0' The match is about to start!

31' GOAL! Netherlands 1-0 Serbia (Teun Koopmeiners)



35' GOAL! Netherlands 1-1 Serbia (Mihajlo Cvetkovic)



72' GOAL! Netherlands 2-1 Serbia (Joshua Zirkzee)



Line-ups

Netherlands XI: Van Dijk, Dumfries, Koopmeiners, Joey Veerman, Lang, Reijnders, Gravenberch, Crysencio Summerville, Bart Verbruggen, Van de Ven, Mexx Meerdink

Subs: Ake, Mark Flekken, Guus Til, Zirkzee, Timber, Quinten Timber, Kenneth Taylor, Jeremie Frimpong, Robin Roefs, Jorrel Hato, Ruben van Bommel, Gjivai Zechiël

Serbia XI: Tadic, Lukic, Babic, Vanja Milinković-Savić, Aleksa Terzić, Lazar Samardžić, S. Pavlovic, Aleksandar Stanković, Kosta Nedeljkovic, Mihajlo Cvetkovic, Stefan Gudelj

Subs: Gudelj, Kostic, A. Živković, Jovic, Maksimovic, Dragan Rosic, Joveljic, Filip Stanković, Strahinja Erakovic, Ognjen Mimović, Nikola Simic, Vanja Dragojevic