Meerdink scores twice as Netherlands win in Serbia

Mexx Meerdink scored both of the Netherlands' goals in Serbia, in his first start for the national team and his second cap, as Oranje won their Nations League fixture.

The opener came from the penalty spot. Meerdink, the AZ striker, took it himself and hit it hard and low. The order had been agreed beforehand: Cody Gakpo, Oranje's first-choice taker, went off injured, and Meerdink was next on the list. "Cody was number one and I was number two. So when we got that penalty I thought: hey," he told NOS.

He is only the second Netherlands international this century to score his first international goal from a penalty.

The goal also ended a run. Nineteen Oranje goals in a row had come from Premier League players, and 29 in a row from players based outside the Netherlands. Quinten Timber, then at Feyenoord, was the last Eredivisie player to score for the national team, in September 2025.

Meerdink was not in the original squad. He was called up when Donyell Malen was injured, and came on against Germany for the injured Brobbey. Against Serbia he started. Serbia managed two shots in the first half, and both were their only touches in the Dutch penalty area.

Speaking to Ziggo Sport afterwards, Meerdink said: "This is a boyhood dream. I honestly have no words for it. It all goes so fast, what can happen in a week. It is also great that we simply win here."

He put the goals down partly to timing. "Sometimes you need a bit of luck. Now it falls my way. Then you have to be there and matter for the team," he said. He admitted to nerves before the penalty: "I felt a little bit of pressure, had a bit of stress. But you play that off. To then be allowed to score two is wonderful."

Gakpo is one of several Netherlands players reported to have picked up knocks on international duty this month. Oranje face Germany, Serbia and Greece in their Nations League group. If Gakpo misses further games, this may mean Meerdink takes penalties again.