Holland 2 ai??i?? 1 Mexico: The Dutch Crush Mexican Dreams

Wesley Sneijder and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored the late goals to bag a controversial win for the Netherlands in a game, which will be remembered more for the dive of Arjen Robben than the on-field battle between the two nations.

Mexico dominated the early parts of the game and went ahead with the help of Dos Santosai??i?? excellent left-footed strike that went into the far corner of the goal. It was the first goal of the striker for Mexico in over a year.

Mexico were looking in total control of the game and appeared strong until the three minutes break as it seemed no way past Guillermo Ochoa for the Dutch but Wesley Sneijder scored his first goal of this World Cup and Huntelaar scored through a penalty, which was won by Arjen Robben.

Substitution of Dos Santos for Javier AquinoAi??Cost the Game for Mexico?

Miguel Herrera is arguably the most famous manager of this World Cup. The ever-smiling coach has more than 7,50,000 followers on Twitter and it seems his on and off-field antics are Ai??the key reason behind his popularity than his tactical genius.

There is no doubt that both Mexico and Herrera have been a revelation this World Cup. The ever-smiling coach is known for free-flowing, attack-minded strategy. The Central Americans were in deep trouble when he was appointed as the coach and he worked a miracle with the squad, which was struggling to even qualify for the World Cup. However, yesterdayai??i??s defeat raises many questions over this philosophy of Herrera.

Herrera decided to substitute goalscorer Giovani Dos Santos in the 61^st minute with Javier Aquino. Mexico were looking extremely comfortable with their lead until this substitution as Aquino’s introduction encouraged Netherlands to attack as Mexico sat deeper and deeper, inviting more pressure on them. Van Gaalai??i??s men also got the help of three minutes break, which was introduced for the first time in the history of the competition.

The defensive tactics of Herreraai??i??s men helped the cause of Dutch who were growing in confidence and one lack of concentration helped Wesley Sneijder to score an equalizer.

Robben Dive: The Biggest Moment of the Match

When Wesley Sneijder scored an equalizer, it was looking increasingly likely that a game will go into the extra time. But Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben won the penalty, which was extremely controversial and the player himself admitted later that it was not a foul.

Robben theatrically collapsed to the deck under a minor looking challenge from Rafael Marquez.Ai??Huntellar made no mistake to score a winner but having the acting of Robben on the big screen, all the spectators booed the act of the winger.

Mexico boss Miguel Herrera was seemingly furious over this action of Robben. ai???The penalty was invented. I hope the refereesai??i?? committee looks at the decision and that he, like us, goes home. Weai??i??re leaving because the decision to stay was not in our hands. If they have a conscience, he should not take charge of another game at the World Cup,ai??? Herrera said.

This World Cup is increasingly becoming memorable for such antics of the players who try to win the free kick/penalties and the time has come for Fifa to take strictest possible action against such divers.

Louis van Gaalai??i??s Tactical Genius Inspires Dutch Revival

Apart from foul-seeking players, this World Cup is also becoming memorable for revival three-man defence system. Both Mexico and Holland played with 3-5-2 system but it was the tactical genius of Van Gaal that proved decisive in the end.

Mexico were the dominant side for the majority part of the game. Giovani dos Santos and Oribe Peralta made some dangerous runs into deep positions, opening up space for midfield runners. But after the first goal, Mexico coach changed the approach, which proved suicidal.

Once his side went 1-0 down, Van Gaal introduced another attacker, Memphis Depay while Paul Verhaegh and Dirk Kuyt switched the flanks. Holland was playing with 4-2-3-1 now.

This change helped the Dutch to gain the momentum and Mexico wing-backs were looking toothless. Mexicans were forced to sit back and they formed a five-man back-line. This tactics and the heat break paid off as Sneijder took the full advantage of Mexicoai??i??s mistake. Another most important change was Robbenai??i??s new position. He was playing on the right flank in the latter half of the game and Mexico defenders find it extremely difficult to control his dangerous runs.

Holland will be playing against Costa Rica in the quarterfinals now and based on this tactical masterclass by Van Gaal, the Dutch fans will be extremely optimistic about their sidesai??i?? chances to progress into the for the second World Cup in a row.

Holland 2 ai??i?? 1 Mexico: The Dutch Crush Mexican Dreams | World Cup 2014

Recommended

Real Madrid and a defence that needs an immediate overhaul

Three potential January Real Madrid targets to cover for Eder Militao

Edu Gaspar leaves behind a solid legacy which Arsenal should build upon

Real Madrid’s 2024/25 struggles: The fall of a European giant

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password