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#9 2014 World Cup Round of 16: Netherlands 2-1 Mexico
It seems cruel to even discuss the above game considering Mexico’s elimination to Brazil in Monday’s earlier match. After the game against Brazil, there was extensive discussion surrounding the refereeing (mainly pertaining to Neymar’s antics) and how it may have disadvantaged El Tri. Yet it did not compare to the outcry following Netherlands’s 2-1 victory over Mexico at the last World Cup. What was ignored in that discussion was the remarkable nature of Netherlands’ comeback.
The Oranje came into the game as strong favourites, having finished 2nd in the previous World Cup. They were also in good form, as they had decimated defending champions Spain 5-1 (remember that Van Persie header) in the group stages. However, Mexico started the game well as they were clearly the better team in the first half. Their performance was rewarded when Giovanni dos Santos smashed home a screamer to give the El Tri a lead.
The Dutch response was repelled for forty minutes as cult hero Guillherme Ochoa made save after save. However in the 88th minute, Dutch experience showed as Oranje hero Wesley Sneijder rifled home a goal after Mexico’s failure to clear a corner. Instead of sitting back and waiting for extra-time, the Dutch continued to attack.
Arjen Robben dribbled his way through the Mexican defence before going down under minimal contact. Klaas Jan Huntelaar converted the penalty to finish Netherlands’ version of the 1999 Champions League Final. Even then, that game will always be remembered for one thing: Robben’s “dive”.
