Zirkzee's winner continues Xavi's unbeaten run
Joshua Zirkzee's 72nd-minute strike ensured Netherlands continued its unbeaten UEFA Nations League run after overcoming a stubborn Serbia 2-1 in Group A2.
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 after a 30-pass move Xavi would have been proud of during his days as a Barcelona player.
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 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.
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 Netherlands' previous UEFA 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 tapped in a 72nd-minute finish, ensuring Xavi's side sits top of Group A2.
Joshua Orobosa Zirkzee
Netherlands
