The Netherlands concluded the international break with a closely contested 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over Serbia in Eindhoven, extending Xavi’s unbeaten run as head coach to four games, with two victories and two draws.

Hoping to complete a Nations League double against Serbia, the Netherlands made an energetic start. Joey Veerman tested Serbia goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic early on, forcing him into a sharp diving save within the opening 15 minutes.

However, the Napoli goalkeeper was powerless to stop the Netherlands from taking the lead shortly after the half-hour mark. Teun Koopmeiners, making his first appearance of the international window, delivered a low free-kick that found its way through the area. The ball appeared to evade the attempted touch of Virgil van Dijk, who was celebrating his 100th international appearance, before settling into the bottom corner.

Koopmeiners’ early delight quickly faded as his weaknesses in an unfamiliar centre-back role were punished when Serbia found an equaliser. Mihajlo Cvetkovic rose above the Juventus midfielder to connect with Aleksa Terzic’s floated delivery, directing a precise header beyond Bart Verbruggen and restoring parity.

Cvetkovic, encouraged by his first international goal, nearly completed Serbia’s comeback within the opening minute of the second half. After getting away from Koopmeiners, however, the Anderlecht forward could not keep his effort on target.

Serbia continued to apply pressure as the second half progressed, forcing Verbruggen into action. The Netherlands goalkeeper produced important saves to deny long-range efforts from both Lazar Samardzic and Cvetkovic.

After weathering a difficult spell of Serbian pressure, the Netherlands regained control and retook the lead with less than 20 minutes remaining. Denzel Dumfries sent a dangerous low cross towards the far post, where Tijjani Reijnders was perfectly positioned to set up Joshua Zirkzee for an easy finish.

The goal was Zirkzee’s first for the Netherlands in two years and ultimately proved decisive. Serbia continued searching for another equaliser, but Verbruggen produced another important save, tipping Nemanja Gudelj’s dipping effort over the bar.

The Netherlands were forced to see out the closing stages with 10 men after Micky van de Ven suffered a late injury, but they held on to secure a hard-earned victory.

The result gave Xavi his first home win as Netherlands boss and lifted Oranje to the top of Group A2. Serbia, meanwhile, remain at the foot of the group without a single point.