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Mix Mertens scored a brace as the Dutch team defeated their Serbian hosts 2-1 on Sunday at Rajko Mitic Stadium in the capital Belgrade, within the second round of the European Nations League for the first-level national teams.
The Dutch team raised its score to 4 points, temporarily leading Group 2, awaiting a match against Greece and Germany later, while the Serbian team remained without points after receiving its second consecutive loss at home.
The first half ended with the Netherlands leading by one goal, scored by Mertens in the 30th minute from a penalty kick, awarded after Crisencio Samervil was fouled by Serbian defender Aleksa Terzic inside the penalty area.
The 'Tulip' team almost extended their lead after 6 minutes when Denzel Dumfries launched a powerful shot towards the near post, but goalkeeper Vladan Savic made a brilliant save.
Just two minutes into the second half, the hosts equalized through Luka Jovic, after the Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen saved two consecutive shots following an organized attack, before the ball reached Jovic who put it in the net.
The Dutch team pressed in search of regaining the lead, but the left post stood in the way of Ruben van Bommel scoring the second goal in the 54th minute.
Mertens scored his second goal in the 70th minute, after launching a shot with his left foot from inside the penalty area, following a pass from substitute Josip Til, to give his team the lead again.
Van Bommel missed a chance to seal the match with a third goal in the 90th minute, after receiving a pass from Josip Til that left him in a one-on-one situation, but he shot weakly, which was saved by goalkeeper Savic.
In Group 4, the Danish team defeated their Welsh guests with two goals without a response, scored by Ben Davies in his own net and Gustav Isaksen in the 53rd and 66th minutes.
Denmark raised its score to 3 points in third place, behind Norway and Portugal by goal difference, who will meet later, while Wales remained without points in fourth and last place.
In Group 3 for the second-level national teams, Austria defeated their guest Kosovo with a 3-1 score.
David Afvengrober, Junior Shokuobiek Adamo, and Karni Chukwuemeka scored for Austria in the 23rd, 45+2nd, and 61st minutes, respectively, while Edon Zhegrova scored Kosovo's only goal from a penalty kick in the 83rd minute.
Austria raised its score to 6 points at the top of the group, after achieving its second consecutive victory, following its 3-1 win over Israel in the first round, while Kosovo's score remained at 3 points in second place temporarily.
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