Netherlands Player Ratings: Zirkzee and Koopmeiners Lead 2-1 Win Over Serbia

The Netherlands kept their unbeaten streak alive in the Nations League with a gritty 2-1 win against Serbia in Eindhoven. Teun Koopmeiners and Joshua Zirkzee scored for the Oranje, overcoming an early equaliser from Mihajlo Cvetkovic.

The Dutch side controlled possession, holding it for 65% of the match, yet Serbia’s direct style tested them repeatedly. Koopmeiners opened the scoring at 31 minutes with sharp timing, but the lead lasted only briefly as Cvetkovic converted a delivery from Aleksa Terzic four minutes later to level before halftime.

After the break, bringing on Joshua Zirkzee changed the game. The striker gave the team a focal point missing in the first half, finishing off a pass from Tijjani Reijnders in the 72nd minute to regain the advantage. Serbia pushed hard late on with 15 shots, but the Dutch defense held firm, taking them to eight points alongside Greece at the top of Nations League A Group 2.

Goalkeeper & Defence

• Bart Verbruggen - 7/10: Steady goalkeeper who made four saves and helped move the ball past Serbia’s press. Not much he could do about the goal conceded.
• Virgil van Dijk - 8/10: Marked his 100th cap with a commanding display, organizing the backline and winning crucial duels.
• Denzel Dumfries - 6/10: Provided width and energy on the right but lacked precise crosses; key in tracking Terzic defensively.
• Micky van de Ven - 7/10: Used his speed to cover the high defensive line and made important interceptions while supporting midfield buildup.

Midfield

• Teun Koopmeiners - 8/10: His goal was well timed, and he linked defense and attack effectively, driving the team's control in the first half.
• Tijjani Reijnders - 8/10: The creative spark who provided the assist for the winning goal, showing great vision and work rate.
• Ryan Gravenberch - 6/10: Focused on maintaining possession and rhythm but was replaced for more attacking urgency.
• Joey Veerman - 6/10: Solid but struggled to break down Serbia’s compact midfield, substituted in the 59th minute.

Attack

• Noa Lang - 5/10: Failed to make an impact on the wing, often isolated and without shots on target before being subbed off.
• Mexx Meerdink - 5/10: Struggled to influence the game as the lone forward, replaced at halftime for a more physical presence.
• Crysencio Summerville - 6/10: Showed bursts of skill and pace but was inconsistent with final decisions; remained a threat throughout.

Substitutes & Manager

• Joshua Zirkzee - 9/10: Entering at halftime, he transformed the attack and scored the winning goal with confidence and smart movement.
• Ruben van Bommel - 6/10: Injected fresh energy on the wing after coming on for Lang, helping stretch Serbia’s defense late on.
• Jorrel Hato - 6/10: Provided stability on the left side of defense during critical moments to protect the lead.
• Gjivai Zechiel - 6/10: Brought in midfield to add discipline and pressure in closing down Serbian attackers near the end.
• Quinten Timber - N/A: Came on late to help see out the victory.
• Xavi Hernandez - 8/10: Made smart tactical changes, especially introducing Zirkzee at halftime, which proved decisive in regaining control.