The Mexicans dominated the match for much of the first half and the beginning of the second, taking the lead in the 48’ on Giovani dos Santos’s blistering left-footed strike.

The Dutch were a goal down with two minutes of normal time left when Wesley Sneijder 88’, smashed in a fierce drive.

Then, in the 94’of a grueling game in scorching conditions, Arjen Robben dribbled artfully near the Mexico goal and was tripped in the penalty area by Rafael Márquez. Klaas jan Huntelaar buried the penalty kick to give the Netherlands the lead and, a minute later, hand Mexico its sixth straight elimination in the Round of 16.