Serbia vs Netherlands delivered a 2-1 away win for the Dutch in the UEFA Nations League on September 28, 2026, at the Rajko Mitić Stadium in Belgrade. Goals from Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons gave the Netherlands a hard-fought victory, while Aleksandar Mitrović’s second-half strike set up a tense finish.

Match overview

The Netherlands began with intent, dominating possession and pushing Serbia deep into their own half. Their midfield rotation created overloads on the flanks, and the opening goal arrived when Gakpo cut inside from the left and curled a shot into the far corner. Serbia responded with physicality and direct running, but the Dutch defense, marshaled by Virgil van Dijk, held its shape.

After the break, Serbia increased the tempo and found a foothold through Mitrović, who powered home a header from a cross. The equalizer energized the home crowd, but the Netherlands regained control and restored their lead when Simons finished a swift counterattack. Serbia pushed for a late equalizer, but the visitors managed the closing stages professionally.

Key moments

• 23rd minute: Cody Gakpo opened the scoring with a curling effort from the edge of the box.
• 51st minute: Serbia’s Dusan Vlahovic forced a smart save with a low shot from a narrow angle.
• 62nd minute: Aleksandar Mitrović equalized with a powerful header from a right-wing cross.
• 71st minute: Xavi Simons restored the Netherlands’ lead after a rapid break through midfield.
• 89th minute: Serbia won a free kick in a dangerous area, but the Dutch wall blocked the attempt.

Tactical story

The Netherlands used a 4-3-3 that became a 3-2-5 in possession, with the full-backs pushing high and the midfielders rotating to create passing angles. Frenkie de Jong was instrumental in breaking Serbia’s first line of pressure, while Gakpo and Simons drifted inside to combine with the striker. Serbia set up in a 3-4-2-1, looking to use wing-backs to stretch the Dutch defense and deliver crosses for Mitrović.

Serbia’s equalizer came from their most effective pattern: quick width, early cross, and a dominant aerial presence in the box. But the Netherlands’ response was swift and clinical. Their counterattack for the second goal exposed Serbia’s advanced wing-backs, and Simons’ finish was ruthless. In the final twenty minutes, Serbia resorted to long balls, but the Dutch center-backs dealt with the threat.

Standout players

Cody Gakpo was a constant threat, scoring the opener and stretching Serbia’s defense throughout. Xavi Simons showed composure for the winner and linked play intelligently between the lines. Frenkie de Jong controlled the midfield with progressive carries and accurate passing. For Serbia, Aleksandar Mitrović was the focal point, winning duels and scoring a trademark header, while Dusan Tadić created several dangerous set pieces.

UEFA Nations League table impact

The victory boosts the Netherlands’ position in the group and reinforces their status as one of the competition’s strongest sides. Serbia, despite a spirited display, remain in a challenging position and will need to take points from their remaining fixtures to keep their hopes of a top finish alive. With the Nations League standings often deciding seeding and playoff opportunities, this away win could carry significant long-term value for the Dutch.