Unbeaten Netherlands lead Nations League group but concerns remain under Xavi

The Netherlands have completed their first four matches under Xavi Hernández unbeaten and top of Nations League Group A2. A 2-1 victory over Serbia, combined with a goalless draw between Greece and Germany, moved Oranje onto eight points with a goal difference of plus two. They lead Greece, also on eight points, by goals scored.

Joshua Zirkzee supplied the winner against Serbia after being called up following Brian Brobbey’s injury. The substitute’s goal was his second in eight Netherlands appearances and his first at club or international level since 30 December 2025. Mexx Meerdink had scored twice in the earlier meeting in Belgrade, but he was replaced at half-time in the latest game after making little impact. FCUpdate argues that Xavi still needs to find a dependable attacking formula, with Noa Lang and Crysencio Summerville threatening without regularly producing clear chances from open play.

There are also concerns at the other end. The Netherlands have conceded in 12 consecutive matches, while using Teun Koopmeiners in central defence brought more creativity in possession but less security without the ball. Virgil van Dijk made his 100th international appearance against Serbia and has now captained Oranje 84 times.

The group remains finely balanced. Germany have five points and Serbia none, while the Netherlands’ earlier 2-2 draw in Athens showed their vulnerability despite recovering from a two-goal deficit. Xavi’s side host Greece at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on 13 November before facing Germany in Berlin three days later, with those fixtures set to decide whether they can retain first place and advance to the quarter-finals.