Holland Stage Late Comeback to Eliminate Mexico

In the sweltering heat of Fortaleza, Mexico’s World Cup dreams were dashed after a late fightback from the Netherlands saw the Oranje advance to the quarter-finals thanks to Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s 94th-minute winner.

Robin van Persie returned to the starting line-up after missing the 2-0 win over Chile in the Group B finale and was partnered by Arjen Robben in attack. Nigel de Jong started in midfield but hobbled off after 10 minutes. Man United’s Javier Hernandez started on the bench once again.

Giovani Dos Santos gave Mexico the lead early in the second half after a dominant first 45 minutes but with five minutes left, Wesley Sneijder equalised before Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored a late winner from the penalty spot.

Chances were few and far between in the first half with Hector Herrera coming closest for Mexico while the Netherlands were struggling to get a foothold in the game after De Jong’s injury.

The first half was a slow, drab affair as both sides were clearly hindered by the temperature in the stadium. The supporters sat in seats directly in the sunlight had left their positions to escape the heat.

Mexico had a couple of chances but, in truth, the highlight of the first half was the drinks break after half an hour.

With just two minutes gone in the second half, former Spurs forward Dos Santos broke through the middle of the pitch and caught the ball superbly on the half volley and smashed a shot into the bottom corner. The game certainly needed that.

Oribe Peralta then tested Jasper Cillessen shortly after as gaps started to open up following Dos Santos’ goal. Louis van Gaal then made a change, bringing young star Memphis Depay on to save the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign.

Dirk Kuyt, playing as a wing-back, then tested Guillermo Ochoa from a corner. His close range header was blocked on the line by Ochoa as the ball deflected onto the post.

SOURCE: Allsports