Meerdink's impressive performance saw him score twice for Oranje, with the AZ player's second goal coming after a combination with Guus Til. The 23-year-old's chances of becoming the Netherlands' first-choice striker have been boosted by the absence of Donyell Malen and Brian Brobbey. Meerdink made his debut as a substitute for Brobbey on Thursday and was preferred by coach Xavi Hernández over Joshua Zirkzee in the match against Serbia.
Meerdink's father, Martijn, played one international match for the Netherlands in 2006 but failed to score. The young Meerdink has already surpassed his father's achievement by scoring for Oranje. The Netherlands earned a penalty after Crysencio Summerville was fouled by a combination of Ryan Gravenberch and the Serbian player, with Meerdink scoring confidently from the spot.
Meerdink's performance has been impressive, especially considering the Netherlands' poor start to the second half. Servia equalized after a mistake by the Dutch defense, but Xavi Hernández made two substitutions, bringing on Guus Til and Kenneth Taylor. Til played a crucial role in Meerdink's second goal, passing the ball to him for a confident finish.
The match between Serbia and the Netherlands can be followed on Voetbal International's live coverage.