Netherlands send Mexico packing in last-minute fightback

This afternoon (Jun 29) in Fortaleza, Mexico and the Netherlands put on a show only a World Cup can deliver. Virtually eliminated up to the 42nd minute of the second half, the Netherlands pulled off an amazing last-minute turnaround and snatched out of the Mexicans’ hands their spot in the next phase of the tournament. The final 2-1 score was worthy of the most dramatic Mexican soap operas and the most striking episodes in the history of the world’s largest sporting event.

It was definitely not an easy duel for the Netherlands, who unexpectedly lowered their defense eight minutes after the kickoff. Midfielder De Jong left the game injured, making room for Martins Indi. The Dutch also needed to fight both the Mexican squad and time, in the 30º C heat of Recife. Mexico was not intimidated, and proved a good match for the Europeans.

The searing heat in the city seemed a weapon in the hands of the Latin American team, who were seen to have the best goal opportunities in the first half. Using speed as their main strategy, they had the orange defense lag behind Giovanni dos Santos and Layún. In the 13th minute, Layún nimbly ran past a defender and crossed in the penalty area. Giovanni dos Santos tried his best to touch the ball, but to no avail. The first half remained goalless.

The second half started just as Mexico wanted. In the second minute, Giovani dos Santos skillfully took the ball and, from outside the area, delivered a remarkable blast past goalkeeper Cillessen’s side. The Latin Americans forgot about the heat and the weariness as they celebrated with their number 10. Mexico 1, the Netherlands nil.

Ten minutes into the second part of the game and the Dutch are given a fright yet again. Peralta pushed through the marking and shot for the goal from outside the area, but Cillessen saved it. After a corner kick in the 12th minute, De Vrij’s kick was saved by Ochoa. It was the first miracle by the Mexican goalkeeper, whose defense was unbreakable throughout their match against Brazil in the first stage.

In the 28th minute, Ochoa performed another miracle. Robben made use of his amazing speed, his number one weapon, and dribbled the defender inside the area and drilled a shot headed for the goal. Mexico’s 13 saved well and kept the Latin American squad alive once again.

Forty two minutes into the second half, however, Ochoa’s efforts failed his team. Following a corner, it was up to Sneijder to collect the ball. Unimpeded, the Dutchman shot and filled the Mexican net, much to the dismay of already-celebrating Mexico fans. An unbelievable fightback started to take place.

When the game started to head for extra-time, the drama took a new, definitive turn. Robben reached the Mexican area and was knocked down by Rafa Márquez. The referee awarded a penalty for the Dutch, and Huntelaar scored the winner in the 38th minute. Neither Ochoa nor the reserves’ prayers were able to change Mexico’s fate. Latin American fans, who caught a glimpse of a wonderful future in the competition, had to face their eighth elimination during a round of 16.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira