The Netherlands national football team faces Serbia on Sunday in a crucial Nations League fixture that serves as an immediate test of head coach Xavi Hernández’s mandate for relentless, high-pressing dominance. Oranje enters the matchup carrying momentum from a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Germany, a contest where the Dutch side manufactured significant pressure during a strong second-half surge.
“I expect a completely different match tomorrow than against Germany,” Xavi said ahead of the fixture. “Serbia plays in a very different way with a lot more long balls. We have to neutralize that danger.”
Sunday’s opponent occupies the 41st spot in the FIFA world rankings and missed out on last summer’s World Cup. Serbia enters the match searching for form following a 1-2 home defeat to Greece—another nation that failed to qualify for the global tournament—in a game where Greece dominated possession with 61 percent and racked up 26 total shot attempts compared to just nine for the Serbian side.
Xavi has all 24 members of his squad available for selection. Defender Jurriën Timber has successfully recovered from the groin injury that forced him to sit out the previous fixture against Germany. The squad adjustments see Joshua Zirkzee added to the group after earlier injuries sidelined both Brian Brobbey and Lutsharel Geertruida.
Tactical Shift Under Xavi Emphasizes High Pressing and Patience
The tactical identity of Oranje is undergoing a visible transformation under the new technical staff. Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven highlighted the proactive approach demanded by the coaching staff.
“A big change under this new head coach is that we stand high up the pitch and want to press quickly,” Van de Ven said. “We have to move the ball quickly so that our creative players get into one-on-one situations. Although it is also important to maintain some patience.”
Van de Ven expressed full confidence in the tactical blueprint laid out by the staff, noting that the team prepares with clear plans for each opponent. Xavi shares that positive assessment regarding his personnel, singling out Zirkzee as a natural fit for the system. “He fits perfectly into our way of playing,” the coach noted regarding the incoming striker.
Recent Form and Stadium Context in Belgrade
Serbia’s recent results underline their current struggles. The team has dropped seven of its last ten matches, creating a disconnect with supporters at home. Only a few spectators turned out at the stadium that offers space for people for the loss against Greece. While local organizers anticipate a larger crowd for the arrival of the Dutch national team, the venue is not expected to reach capacity.
“They are not in their best phase,” Xavi acknowledged, while warning against complacency. “Although they are physically strong. It is clear that we want to dominate from the start and want to win.”
Following Sunday’s encounter in Serbia, the Nations League schedule continues for Oranje with a match against Greece on October 1, followed by a home fixture against Serbia on October 4.
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