UEFA Nations League: Xavi Gets First Win as Netherlands Boss, Denmark Beat Wales

Xavi Hernández recorded his first victory as Netherlands head coach after his side defeated Serbia 2-1 in Belgrade in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday.

The win came three days after the Netherlands played out a 1-1 draw with Germany in Xavi’s first match in charge.

Mexx Meerdink was the Netherlands’ match-winner, scoring twice to give the visitors all three points and move them to four points from their opening two matches in Group A2.

The Netherlands had started the new era under Xavi with a draw against Germany, with Cody Gakpo scoring a late equaliser to rescue a point in Amsterdam.

Against Serbia, however, the Dutch showed greater attacking efficiency as Meerdink found the net twice to put his side in control.

Serbia mounted a strong response and reduced the deficit, but the Netherlands held on to secure their first win under their new coach.

Xavi was appointed following the Netherlands’ disappointing early exit from the 2026 World Cup and has begun his tenure with four points from two Nations League matches.

Elsewhere, Denmark recorded their first points of the campaign by defeating Wales in their Group A4 encounter.

The Danes had opened their campaign with a 3-2 defeat to Norway, despite scoring twice against the side inspired by Erling Haaland.

Wales also entered the meeting seeking their first points after losing 1-0 to Portugal in their opening fixture.

João Félix scored the only goal when Portugal defeated Wales in Lisbon on Thursday, leaving Craig Bellamy’s side needing a positive result in Denmark.

The Nations League results added to an eventful opening round of fixtures, with several European teams beginning new coaching eras.

Xavi, Jürgen Klopp, Zinédine Zidane and other high-profile coaches are leading national teams during the 2026/27 competition.

For the Netherlands, the victory in Serbia provides Xavi with his first competitive win and gives the team an early boost as the group campaign continues.

The Dutch will now look to build on the result in their remaining Nations League fixtures as Xavi continues to implement his approach with the national team.