In today’s early World Cup round of 16 match, Netherlands left it late to overcome Mexico with two goals after the 88th minute and a controversial penalty. The match was in Mexico’s favor for the majority of the day but the late substitution of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar for Robin Van Persie is what turned the match for Netherlands as he assisted and scored for the Dutch.
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The first half was largely controlled by Mexico and they looked the better side particularly in the first 30 minutes of the match. Giovanni Dos Santos forced a save from Jasper Cillessen who looked unsettled all match long as Mexico constantly threatened. El Tri sent crosses fizzing in the box and if it was not for some poor finishing the Mexicans would have been up at halftime. Van Persie missed a great chance in the 27th minute and Arjen Robben had a strong penalty shout turned down by the referee after being bundled over by Rafa Marquez and Hector Moreno.
The second half started off the way the first half ended with Mexico looking far more threatening than the Dutch. Just three minutes in to the second half, Dos Santos chested down a poor headed clearance from Ron Vlaar and took possession 10 yards from the Dutch penalty area. He drove past Daley Blind holding him off with his right arm and unleashed a venomous shot with his left boot that was just out of the reach of Cillesen. It was no less than what Mexico deserved.
After the goal Mexico began to settle in but still were able to press the Dutch and both keepers were forced in to making some spectacular saves. Guillermo Ochoa of Mexico in particular stood out with a fine save against Stefan de Vrij who volleyed a corner from point blank range. Ochoa knew little about the save but his positioning was excellent.
The match continued in the same vein but turned when Robin Van Persie was brought off in the 75th minute for Huntelaar. The Dutch continued to search for the equalizer and finally found it in the 88th minute. Robben sent a corner deep in Mexico box and Huntelaar headed it down for an onrushing Wesley Sneijder to smash his half volley in to the back of the net. It was retribution for Sneijder who up to this point was putting on a poor performance.
In the 94th minute of stoppage time, Robben went down easily after a Rafa Marquez challenge and the penalty was given. It was Robben’s second third simulation of the match but this time his antics were rewarded. Up stepped Huntelaar who buried his low and driven penalty past Ochoa and the Dutch were through. The result, and the penalty decision, was harsh on Mexico who deserved a chance to win in extra time. It was a poor decision by the referee to award the penalty but it could be argued that it was deserved after the non-call in the first half. The Dutch move on and now await the result of the match between Greece and Costa Rica.
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