Zirkzee leads Netherlands to victory over Serbia in Van Dijk's hundredth match

The Netherlands secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Serbia in the match held at the Philips Stadion as part of the UEFA Nations League, taking a significant step towards qualifying for the quarter-finals.

The match featured a special celebration for defender Virgil van Dijk, who made his 100th international appearance for the Netherlands, becoming the eleventh player in the history of the "Oranje" to reach this milestone. Coach Xavi started the match with changes in the lineup, most notably bringing in Teun Koopmeiners in central defense alongside van Dijk, while relying on Tijjani Reijnders and Ryan Gravenberch in midfield.

Kopmeiners opened the scoring for the Netherlands after more than half an hour with a direct free kick, but Serbia quickly equalized through Mihailo Cvetković, who capitalized on a cross from Aleksa Terzić and headed it into the net. The Serbian national team nearly added a second goal on several occasions before the first half ended in a 1-1 draw.

In the second half, Xavi substituted Joshua Zirkzee for Mix Merik, who suffered a muscle problem, and made several changes in search of regaining the lead. The decisive moment came in the 72nd minute, after a brilliant collective attack that started with Jorrel Hato and Jaïfaï Zikheil, passing through Krisensio Samerville, Denzel Dumfries, and Tijani Reinders, who assisted Zirkzee to score and give the Netherlands the winning goal.

The Netherlands held on to their lead until the final whistle, despite Serbian pressure, thanks to the brilliance of goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who saved a dangerous shot from Nemanja Gudelj.

With this victory, the Netherlands have moved to the top of Group B in League A with 8 points, ahead of Greece on goal difference, while Germany sits third with 5 points and Serbia remains at the bottom with no points.

Thus, Virgil van Dijk's celebratory night was complete, as the Netherlands captain celebrated his 100th international match surrounded by his family, received a golden shield after the match, and was honored in the dressing room by Dutch football's executive director, Marianne van Leeuwen.