paroolSep 27, 2026, 17:54

Netherlands national team secures first win under Xavi in Serbia thanks to two goals from Mexx Meerdink

The Dutch national team earned its first win under manager Xavi by defeating Serbia 2-1 in a Nations League match. Striker Mexx Meerdink scored both goals for the Netherlands, securing the victory after a closely contested game in Belgrade.

The Netherlands national football team secured its first victory under coach Xavi with a 2-1 win against Serbia in the Nations League. AZ striker Mexx Meerdink made his mark by scoring both goals in the match held at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade. This performance follows a difficult period for Meerdink, who had been sidelined by a severe injury during his initial call-up to the national squad. After the match remained tied following a goal by Luka Jovic, Meerdink scored the decisive winner in the 69th minute after being set up by Guus Til.

The match was played in a quiet atmosphere with a low turnout of spectators. The Dutch team dominated possession against a defensive Serbian side, though they faced challenges early on with an injury to Cody Gakpo, who was replaced by Ruben van Bommel in the opening minutes. Despite Serbia creating pressure after equalizing, the Netherlands maintained control to claim all three points.

Culture Netherlands

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Suzan & Freek to release new single 'Pijnstiller' on Thursday

The Dutch duo Suzan & Freek are set to release their new single Pijnstiller this Thursday. This marks their third musical project following a challenging period involving Freek's health and the birth of their first child.

Estavana Polman quits as regular guest on Vandaag Inside after just one episode

Estavana Polman has stepped down as a monthly guest on the television show Vandaag Inside after making only one appearance. The production company Talpa confirmed the decision, stating that the partnership was ended by mutual agreement.

Employee who misbehaves at protest rarely fired: 'Bar is set high'

Employers in the Netherlands face significant legal challenges when attempting to fire staff for misconduct committed during private time, such as at demonstrations. Experts state that dismissal is only likely if the actions directly harm the employer's reputation or if the employee's specific role is incompatible with their behavior.

Vollering's world title race not live on main NPO channels: 'We want to serve everyone'

The NPO faced backlash for moving the women's world cycling championship final featuring Demi Vollering to a digital-only channel instead of a main broadcast network. While viewers and experts labeled the decision a missed opportunity, the NPO defended the move as a necessary scheduling balance that ensured the event remained accessible to all.

Amsterdam then and now: the site of the shop that inspired the expression ‘Winkel van Sinkel’

The Winkel van Sinkel, established in Amsterdam in 1822 by Anton Sinkel, was the city's first department store and introduced modern concepts like fixed prices and large display windows. Although the business closed in 1911, the store's name became a lasting Dutch idiom for a shop where anything can be purchased.