Mexx Meerdink’s first two international goals were enough for the Netherlands to edge past Serbia and earn Xavi Hernandez his first win as coach in a gritty encounter in Belgrade.
Meerdink scored from the penalty spot in the first half after Crysencio Summerville was brought down in the area, and slotted the winner midway through the second half in a period when Oranje were dominating.
But there was a blow for Xavi ahead when Cody Gakpo had to be replaced by Ruben van Bommel in the 17th minute after going down under a heavy challenge from Saša Lukici in the penalty area.
Oranje had the better of a stodgy first 45 minutes of their second Nations League fixture, but only occasionally showed a cutting edge. Meerdink was unable to connect properly with Gakpo’s cross in the 15th minute, while a long spell of possession ended with Ryan Gravenberch dragging a shot wide.
The Dutch looked comfortable defending their lead and almost went further ahead when Serbia goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic needed all of his 2.02m height to tip Joey Veerman’s inswinging corner over the crossbar.
The home side equalised right at the start of the second half as they poured into the Dutch penalty area, drawing two good saves from Bart Verbruggen. The Oranje defenders were unable to clear their lines and the ball fell to half-time substitute Luka Jovic, who gave Verbruggen no chance from close range.
The Dutch took a grip on the game with Denzel Dumfries repeatedly finding space down the right, first picking out Van Bommel, whose shot hit the outside of the post, before an even better cross was turned over the crossbar by Tijjani Reijnders.
Meerdink’s winner in the 69th minute was provided by Guus Til, who had just come on as a substitute, as the AZ striker held off the close attentions of his marker to steer the ball into in the far corner.
Jovic remained Serbia’s greatest threat as the hosts pushed for an equaliser, twice flashing headers narrowly wide, while Van Bommel should have put the game beyond reach with a late breakaway, but his tame shot failed to test Milinkovic-Savic.
The Netherlands next play Greece, who beat Serbia 2-1 in their opening match, in Thessaloniki on Thursday.
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