Tough luck for the fighting Mexican team as their dream for the world cup ended with a defeat from last year's runner up, Netherlands.
There was a lot at stake for the fight between Netherlands and Mexico held at Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza. Netherlands needs to move forward to the quarterfinals and eventually to the finals as the team has consistently been able to reach the top three spot but the world cup championship has been relatively inches away from them. If they make it, this would be their fourth time and this year can give them more opportunity as last world cup's champion was sent home.
For Mexico's side, their win over Netherlands would mean that they would be able to move forward to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1986. This will be another hallmark for the team if they win.
That is the reason why both teams were really pushing hard to win the match. The game's first half of the match was grueling as both teams offense and defense was strong enough not to be able to make a single goal from either one of them. The game kicked off during the second half when Mexico's forward, Giovani dos Santos, made a goal early on the second half during the 48th minute. This put the team on the lead as the score started to roll at 1-0.
It took an exhausting 40 minutes before another goal was made. This came from Netherlands midfielder, Wesley Sneijder, tying the score at 1-1. It was almost the end of the games when at the last minute, Netherlands made another effort to secure another goal for the team courtesy of their forward, Klaas Jan Huntelaar. The goal came in at the very last minute of the game right after the extension at 90+4 seconds.
Netherlands successfully lead their team to the quarterfinals finishing the games at 2-1. They celebrated their win on the field.
When Netherlands coach, Louis van Gaal, was asked about his strategy for the game he said "The players showed they have the belief to fight through to the end." He continued "Let me tell you that the Dutch media thought we would never survive the first round and so how we are suddenly favourites to qualify for the semis is something I have difficulty imagining. But with the team spirit that brought us this victory I think we will be very difficult to beat."
