Sneijder Saves The Netherlands, Mexico Out

 2-1 

The Netherlands were perfect in the group stage winning all three matches against Spain, Australia, and Chile.  Mexico finished second in their group with wins over Cameroon and Croatia as well as a draw to Brazil.  The two met for the first knock-out match of the day in the very hot Estádio Castelão in Fortaleza.

Mexico fielded the same line up as they showed in the group stage with one exception, Carlos Salcido replace the suspended Vásquez in the midfield.  The Netherlands made a few alterations to their line up with Wijnaldum, Verhaegh, and the veteran Dirk Kuyt stating for the Orange.

The first-half ended scoreless with Mexico creating the better chances.  The Netherlands had some problems early on with an injury to Nigel De Jong less than ten minutes into the match.  Bruno Martins Indi replaced De Jong and caused the Netherlands to reorganize their shape.  They were not getting much offensively with change to the line up, but late in the half the Dutch felt they should have been given a penalty.  Robben was fouled twice inside the box, but no call was made and the first-half ended level.

At the start of the second-half Mexico were forced to make a change for the injured centerback Héctor Moreno who was replaced by Diego Reyes.  Soon after Mexico took the lead thanks to a wonderful individual effort by Giovani Dos Santos.  The striker did well to hold off defender Daley Blind and hit a perfect half-volley from distance to beat the keeper (48').

Mexico enjoyed the lead for about forty minutes and as time ticked away the Netherlands started to get more desperate.  Van Persie was running on empty and came out for Huntelaar who became the target for hopeful long balls.  Then just as time was running out, Wesley Sneijder came up with a huge goal.  A corner was headed back in front of goal by Huntelaar and Sneijder ran onto the ball and crushed the shot giving keeper Ochoa absolutely no chance to make a save (88').

In stoppage-time Mexico were dealt the death blow when Robben was again fouled inside the box.  Rafa Márquez caught Robben on the ball and this time the ref made the signal for a penalty.  The foul was not as bad as the first that went unseen, but nonetheless the Dutch took full advantage.  Hunterlaar stepped up to take the shot and scored the winning goal from the spot (90 +4').

No doubt Mexico feel that Robben dove to earn that penalty kick.  The Dutch might look at the call as a make-up for the no-call in the first-half.  To be certain, the match was close throughout and Mexico played well enough beat many of the teams that are still alive in the World Cup.  However it was the Dutch that did enough to get the win and stay in the tournament.