BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhuanet) -- Netherlands dramatically beat Mexico 2-1.Both sides created a number of chances in a hard fought first half despite the heat in Fortaleza taking its toll on all the players. But early in the second half, Mexican forward Giovani Dos Santos made the breakthrough,holding off several Dutch defenders before rifling into the bottom corner from outside the box.
The goal seemed to spark some life into the Netherlands and they nearly equalized in the 59th minute, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Mexico’s goalkeeper Guillermo Och-oa. Star winger Arjen Robben though continued to be a threat throughout, his pace and direct running causing all kinds of problems for Mexico’s defence. And he came close in the 74th minute, but Ochoa stood his ground again, ensuring Mexico maintained their slender lead.
Then in the dying minutes, midfield maestro Wesley Sneijder saved the Dutch, smashing home a dramatic equaliser after Mexico failed to clear from a corner.
And in extra time, Robben twisted and weaved his way through Mexico’s area to earn the Netherlands a penalty, which striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar dispatched into the bottom corner.
The Netherlands will now move on to the quarter finals, where they will face either Costa Rica or Greece, who are due to play at 4am Beijing time.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
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