2014 World Cup - Round of 16 - Netherlands vs Mexico

Netherlands 2 vs Mexico 1 - "A shame they should have to face each other so early in what will be the best game of the Cup".   As billed, and a shame it had to end the way it did.

After the first 5 minutes Mexico controlled the pace until Dos Santos struck 1st for El Tri at 48' with a wicked shot from the perimeter.  Mexico played valiantly, but it was Dutch Delight with only two minutes of life left on the Orange's World Cup clock.

Sweating it out in the stifling heat until Sneijder drove home a lightning bolt into the back of the net from 20 yds out at 88'.  At 94', Marquez who had 3 other defenders near, did not have to bite when Robben baited him from the endline. 

Robben used his legs and momentum to create contact and was going down when Marquez committed.  Just enough contact to go with the premeditated flop that had Portuguese referee Proenca pointing to the spot, awarding what would be Huntelaar's winning penalty kick. 

The Orange had found a way to come back and perhaps die another day.  But this is not the way you want to see a game like this end or a team like El Tri go out.  I would rather the Dutch had scored from the pitch, anything but penalty kicks.  The Flying Dutchmen move on to face the winner of Costa Rica - Greece.

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