Two Late Goals Break Mexican Hearts

Giovani dos Santos gave El Tri the lead with his first international goal since 2012

Mexico took a 1-0 lead in the 48th minute on a goal from Giovani dos Santos after dominating much of the first half, following the departure of Dutch defenseman Nigel de Jong. 40 minutes later, with the Dutch in desperation mode, Wesley Sneijder equalized off a Klaas jan Huntelaar header. 6 minutes later Arjen Robben drew a foul in the box for a penalty kick, which Huntelaar powered home to give the Netherlands a 2-1 victory.


Mexico has been knocked out in the Round of 16 in six consecutive World Cups despite playing a very solid game. For 60 minutes Mexico played well offensively and really limited the Dutch offense of Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie. However, following the substitution of dos Santos and the decision to sit back defensively, the Dutch began to take control of the game and get better offensive looks.

Guillermo Ochoa had another very solid game, making two very pretty saves but in the end he could not save the penalty shot that proved to be the deciding factor.

The game was not without controversy. Toward the end of the first half, Arjen Robben appeared to earn a penalty kick that went uncalled. Then in stoppage time of the second half Robben appeared to exaggerate a foul called on Rafa Marquez to earn the game winning penalty shot.

That said, the Dutch did put the pressure on Mexico late in that game. Huntelaar's replacement of van Persie seemed to provide a spark and the Dutch were able to possess and move forward much better.

In the end Mexico's defense could not hold up against the final push of the Dutch as both goals came after the 85th minute.

Wesley Sneijder (#10) and Klaas jan Huntelaar (#19) found the back of the net late in the game to help the Netherlands to advance

The Netherlands will play the winner of Costa Rica vs. Greece later on Sunday.