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Mexx Meerdink, 23, entered De Kuip on Saturday evening with a new status after a series of successful weeks: he was now regarded as a Netherlands international. The increased attention and expectations were difficult for him, as many people in the Netherlands had become familiar with him and expected him to perform.
11 sources
The Netherlands beat Serbia 2-1 in Eindhoven in the Nations League, ending Xavi Hernández’s first international window as national coach unbeaten. Joshua Zirkzee scored the winning goal after coming on as a substitute. The result was the Netherlands’ second win over Serbia in a week and leaves the team on eight points from four matches; Germany and Greece drew 0-0 in the other match. Captain Virgil van Dijk played his 100th international, becoming the 11th Dutch player to reach that mark, and was honoured after the match. Denzel Dumfries made his 80th appearance. Teun Koopmeiners started alongside Van Dijk in central defence, while goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made several saves, according to a single report. Xavi said the team had struggled to impose its possession-based approach but had shown a desire to win.
10 sources
Feyenoord beat AZ 2-0 at De Kuip in Rotterdam, handing the Alkmaar side its first defeat of the season and taking over first place in the Eredivisie. Nacho Ferri opened the scoring after 13 minutes and Javi López added the second goal after half-time. Feyenoord now leads AZ and PSV by one point.
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The football podcast Kick-off discussed the Dutch national team during the Nations League, including its position at the top of the group, a fragile defense, Virgil van Dijk’s role and the tactical approach of national coach Xavi. The participants also debated whether the Nations League should be used for experimentation, whether Jorrel Hato could help the team and whether players were being given too many assignments. Injuries, the heavy international schedule and the Dutch junior team were also discussed. The comments included criticism of the junior team’s performance and the view that the Nations League was not the place for experimentation. After the international period, the podcast turned to the resumption of the Eredivisie. The participants previewed Feyenoord–AZ, said Mexx Meerdink would need to prove himself at De Kuip, and discussed Lionel Messi’s farewell, Cristiano Ronaldo and a new feature of Arne Slot.
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AZ midfielder Kees Smit was injured during the warm-up for the Netherlands Under-21 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Coach Leeroy Echteld said Smit has groin problems and will be unavailable for at least several weeks. Smit therefore misses Eredivisie leaders AZ's away match against Feyenoord. Mexx Meerdink, who returned from international duty with minor complaints, is available.