Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
The Netherlands made their way into the quarter-finals of the World Cup thanks to two late goals against Mexico in Fortaleza.
Mexico led until the final 10 minutes after Giovani Dos Santos gave them the lead with a sweet strike.
But Wesley Sneijder, who had struggled in the sweltering 38.8C heat, slammed home an equaliser with just two minutes remaining.
The game looked to be heading to extra-time but Arjen Robben was brought down for a controversial penalty deep into injury time.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, on as a sub for Robin van Persie, stepped up to convert the 94th minute penalty and send Mexico out at this stage for the sixth time in a row.
Show all 23 1 /23Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Jasper Cillessen Looked nervous in the early stages but stood up firm when called upon. Very little he could have done about Giovani dos Santos’ wonder strike. 7
Getty Images
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Paul Verhaegh Did the unglamorous, but essential, job of mopping up after any Dutch mistakes in front of the backline. A composed and measured performance from right-back. 7
Getty Images
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Daley Blind Raced forward wherever possible but lacked the desire to get back when needed. Appeared complacent with Dirk Kuyt as cover. 6
Getty Images
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Ron Vlaar The Aston Villa man delivered a typically stern and imposing performance. Did very little wrong and posed a threat from set-plays. 7
Getty Images
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Bruno Martins Indi Replaced Nigel de Jong after just nine minutes and delivered a combative and committed display. 7
Getty Images
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Stefan de Vrij Desperately unlucky not to have scored, forcing Guillermo Ochoa into a stunning second-half save, but kept his head up and delivered a good shift. 7
Getty Images
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Georginio Wijnaldum The PSV starlet was muzzled for much of the first half but found more joy in the second. Ran at the Mexico defence to some success. 7
Getty Images
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Dirk Kuyt Playing more defensively than British audiences will have been expecting, after featuring in attack for Liverpool, Dirk Kuyt delivered an impressive shift. Never stopped running on his 100th cap. 7
Getty Images
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Wesley Sneijder Will be remembered for the bullet finish which got the Netherlands back into the game. Had a quiet game though which, like his tournament as a whole, lacked penetration. 6
Getty Images
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Arjen Robben Eventually won his side a penalty after many failed attempts at allegedly deceiving the referee. Had one decent shout in the first half. The Bayern Munich man was tireless, however, and never gave up in his pursuit of a goal. 7
Getty Images
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Robin van Persie Despite the expectations on his shoulders, this was a decidedly quiet afternoon from the Manchester United striker. Was substituted for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar who ultimately won the game. 6
Getty Images
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Klaas Jan Huntelaar Despite only being on the pitch for little over fifteen minutes, the Schalke striker made his mark. Scoring the penalty which won Netherlands the game, Huntelaar was confident enough in his own abilities to take the spot-kick. 8
Getty Images
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Ochoa.jpg A stunning display defaced by two late, unstoppable, goals. After brilliantly saving Stefan de Vrij’s point blank effort, it was clear that it would take quite a strike to get past Ochoa tonight. Lightning struck twice. 8
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Paul Aguilar Striving to get forward, while remaining wary of the Dutch counter attack, this was a decent if unremarkable outing for Paul Aguilar. 6.5
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Rafael Marquez After earning many plaudits over an illustrious career, the former Barcelona centre-back had an afternoon to forget. Clumsily bundling into every Dutch attacker in sight, it’s no great surprise that he gave away the late penalty. 5
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Francisco Rodriguez An excellent first half display wasn’t built upon and Francisco Rodriguez ultimately struggled to handle the Netherlands’ attacking prowess in the final stages. The heat will surely have been a factor. 7
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Miguel Layun Began the game by showcasing his abilities to shoot from distance but rightfully opted to shift his focus towards firing crosses into the Dutch area. Cutting inside dangerously, this was an impressive performance. 7
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Carlos Salcido With a frightening ability to shoot from distance, Carlos Salcido will perhaps wonder if he could have contributed more. 6
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Hector Moreno Standing up to the Netherlands attack for much of tonight’s game, Hector Moreno will be bitterly disappointed to have been part of a defence which conceded two late goals. 6.5
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Hector Herrera Tried to join the Mexican strikeforce whenever possible but was understandably nervous about leaving the door open behind him. A mature, if unadventurous, display. 7
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Andres Guardado Was occasionally isolated on the left flank and struggled to create chances with such little cover. Unlucky not to have scored with a long-range effort in the second half. 6.5
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Giovani Dos Santos Scoring a stunning goal to set Mexico up for an unlikely victory, the former Tottenham Hotspur man was a delight to watch. A regular thorn in the Netherlands’ side, this was an exciting performance. 7
Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 player ratings Oribe Peralta With the weight of a nation’s expectations on his shoulders, Mexico’s Mr. Reliable failed to live up to his billing. 6
Who do you think was the man of the match? Let us know in the comments below.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies