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Extended international break ends amid injuries and criticism

◆1 source

The extended international break ended after 16 days in which the Netherlands played four international matches with varying results. Several players withdrew because of injuries, including Brian Brobbey, Lutsharel Geertruida, Cody Gakpo, Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven. The injuries also drew attention outside the Netherlands. The format was introduced after FIFA decided in 2023 to merge two international windows into one from this year through 2030. Instead of breaks of up to nine days with two matches, the new format involves four matches in a single break, with the stated aim of reducing travel for players.

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Netherlands beat Serbia in Nations League match

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.