FULL-TIME: Holland 2-1 Mexico
GOAL! HOLLAND 2-1 Mexico
90+4min: Goodness me what an end to this
game! Seconds from going out, Holland are now heading through after
Robben is tripped inside the box by Marquez to win a penalty.
The defender is booked and so is Guardado for protesting, before Klaas-Jan Huntelaar converts the spot-kick into the bottom corner inside six additional minutes.
The defender is booked and so is Guardado for protesting, before Klaas-Jan Huntelaar converts the spot-kick into the bottom corner inside six additional minutes.
PENALTY (Holland)
GOAL! HOLLAND 1-1 Mexico
88min: Two Ochoa's are not stopping this!
Holland's tenth corner results in Huntelaar heading the ball back to the
edge of the box where Wesley Sneijder plants his foot
through a first time strike which rockets into the bottom corner and
into the back of the net - a net I'm surprised didn't break considering
the power of the shot.
85min: Mexico are going to win the World Cup! Why? Because there's just no stopping Ochoa!
A knock on finds Huntelaar just five yards out, but even his volley is stopped by the brave 'arms out' keeping from the Mexican stopper.
The Holland striker was ruled offside anyway, but neither knew that at the time.
See you at United: Holland boss Louis van Gaal shakes hand with Robin van Persie after his was substituted
A knock on finds Huntelaar just five yards out, but even his volley is stopped by the brave 'arms out' keeping from the Mexican stopper.
The Holland striker was ruled offside anyway, but neither knew that at the time.
82min: Mexico can hardly get out of their
own half now, but Holland are toiling in breaking down the Mexican
defence. It's all getting rather desperate but Van Gaal's team haven't
resorted to the direct long ball just yet.
From Sportsmail's Ian Ladyman in Fortaleza
'It will be a shame if Holland can’t pull this one round but I do wonder why they only started playing when they fell behind.
'They are such a flowing side when they get going. Are they handicapped by Van Gaal’s tactics? Or does he know they just aren’t good enough to go toe-to-toe with the world’s best?'
'They are such a flowing side when they get going. Are they handicapped by Van Gaal’s tactics? Or does he know they just aren’t good enough to go toe-to-toe with the world’s best?'
79min: Play restarts. Holland have just over
10 minutes to save their World Cup dream. Is this Louis van Gaal's last
match for the Oranje before taking charge of Manchester United?
Robbed: Holland's Arjen Robben (left) sees another shot saved by Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa
Holland substitution - drinks break
76min: So with just under 15 minutes to go we will have our final drinks break as Holland just start to bombard the Mexico defence.
Now it's the North American side glad the drinks break has come but Holland have made a final switch as Robin van Persie departs in favour of Klass-Jan Huntelaar.
Now it's the North American side glad the drinks break has come but Holland have made a final switch as Robin van Persie departs in favour of Klass-Jan Huntelaar.
Mexico substitution
75min: Final change for Mexico as Peralta is
replaced by Javier Hernandez. Can Chicharito stick it into his future
Manchester United boss?
74min: Ochoa denies Holland again! Robben
skips a challenge inside the box, but his low shot from a tight angle is
denied by the onrushing keeper.
71min: We are into the final 20 minutes and
Mexico are starting to dream of a first quarter-final since 1986. I
imagine Holland are not quite done yet though. Van Gaal still has one
more change up his sleeve - use it wisely Louis...
68min: First booking of the game and it
comes for Mexico as Paul Aguilar is booked for a needless trip behind on
Depay. He is now suspended for Mexico's next game.
No way through: Holland's Wesley Sneijder (second right) sits on the pitch and looks on after seeing a chance deflected wide
67min: Robben is fuming as he goes down
inside the box and doesn't win a penalty following two challenges from
Mexico defenders. However replays show the Bayern Munich star was a
little eager to go to ground.
64min: Holland are enjoying their best spell
of the game now, with Mexico's attacks limited to the counter. At the
very least we are set up for a grand finale.
Mexico substitution
61min: More shade is starting to cover the
pitch and it's coming to Holland's aid. Robben squares a pass to Wesley
Sneijder on the edge of the box, whose goalbound lookiing shot is
deflected behind for a corer.
Mexico make a second switch as Dos Santos is replaced by Javier Aquino.
Denied: Stefan de Vrij of the Netherlands (second left) sees his shot saved by Mexico keeper Guillermo Ochoa
Cleared: Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa of Mexico looks on after denying De Vrij
Mexico make a second switch as Dos Santos is replaced by Javier Aquino.
59min: Guillermo Ochoa is at it again! First
the Mexican keeper somehow kept out Brazil in the group stage, now it's
Holland being frustrated by wonder saves.
A floatedRobben corner finds De Vrij in the box, whose powerful volley forces the keeper to parry clear at point-blank range on to the post and out to safety, It was straight at him, but he had to make the stop.
Breakthrough: Mexico's Giovani dos Santos celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal
A floatedRobben corner finds De Vrij in the box, whose powerful volley forces the keeper to parry clear at point-blank range on to the post and out to safety, It was straight at him, but he had to make the stop.
Holland substitution
56min: Holland make a second change and it's an attacking one as Memphis Depay comes on to replace Paul Verhaegh.
54min: Huge test for Holland now but they
have yet to respond. Oranje win a free-kick 25 yards out but Wesley
Sneijder's strike hits the wall.
From former England striker Gary Lineker on Twitter
GOAL! Holland 0-1 MEXICO
48min: It's not quite in the school of James Rodriguez, but this is superb from Giovani dos Santos!
The former Spurs flop races on to a knockdown from Oribe Peralta before blasting a low strike from 20 yards past a diving Cillessen and into the bottom corner.
Mexico lead and do we fancy Holland to chase the game in this heat?
Mexican magic: Giovani dos Santos (centre) fired Mexico in front at the start of the second half
The former Spurs flop races on to a knockdown from Oribe Peralta before blasting a low strike from 20 yards past a diving Cillessen and into the bottom corner.
Mexico lead and do we fancy Holland to chase the game in this heat?
SECOND-HALF: Holland restart in the second half and Mexico make a change
Moreno of course was carried off on a stretcher at the end of the first half and he is replaced by Diego Reyes.
Carried off: Mexico's Hector Moreno is carried off on a stretcher at the end of the first half
PLAYER WATCH: Dirk Kuyt (Holland)
It's Dirk Kuyt's 100th cap for Holland and he has had the not
so envious task of running up and down the left flank in these tough
hot conditions.
As you can see from his first half heat map, he's not quite making it all the way down the flank - which isn't too surprising. Otherwise the former Liverpool star hasn't had a bad first half.
Click here for more maps and stats with our excellent Match Zone
As you can see from his first half heat map, he's not quite making it all the way down the flank - which isn't too surprising. Otherwise the former Liverpool star hasn't had a bad first half.
Click here for more maps and stats with our excellent Match Zone
Here's a couple of half-time stats from OptaJoe
No penalties in the first half, but what about the second period?
As expected, it's been a game lacking major action but the conditions are the reason for that.
It's not been dreadful though. Mexico have perhaps showed the greater attacking intent while both sides should have arguably had a penalty. As the afternoon drags on, hopefully conditions will cool a bit and the football will flourish. I won't be surprised to see extra-time here though.
It's not been dreadful though. Mexico have perhaps showed the greater attacking intent while both sides should have arguably had a penalty. As the afternoon drags on, hopefully conditions will cool a bit and the football will flourish. I won't be surprised to see extra-time here though.
HALF-TIME: Holland 0-0 Mexico
45+3min: But should Holland have a penalty?
Holland counter which leads to Robben taking the ball inside the box,
but after Rafael Marquez appears to unfairly barge Robben off the ball,
Hector Moreno follows in seconds later with a lunge which appears to
bring down the Bayern Munich star.
Nothing is awarded and if anything it's Moreno who comes off worse as he looks in serious pain as he is carried off on a stretcher.
Nothing is awarded and if anything it's Moreno who comes off worse as he looks in serious pain as he is carried off on a stretcher.
45min: There will be four added minutes considering that drinks break, which has been the highlight of the first half....sdaly.
42min: Cillessen comes to Holland's rescue
again. Andres Guardado clumsily plays in Dos Santos after his effort to
control the ball ends up turning into a pass for the former Tottenham
forward.
Dos Santos is at a tight angle to goal though and can only fire straight at the Dutch keeper who parries clear.
Blocked: Jasper Cillessen (left) makes a save from Giovani Dos Santos
Dos Santos is at a tight angle to goal though and can only fire straight at the Dutch keeper who parries clear.
From Sportsmail's Ian Ladyman in Fortaleza
38min: The answer is yes. Mexico still look
the team with more attacking intent but yet no final product as Layun's
low cross is claimed by Cillessen.
35min: Play restarts in Fortaleza, will Mexico still remain the better side?
From Sportsmail's Ian Ladyman in Fortaleza
'Bit puzzled by the goings-on in the drinks break. It’s
supposed to be a medical necessity, not an opportunity for coaches to
deliver ‘time out style’ team talks. Managers should be instructed to
remain in dug outs.'
Take in fluids: Mexico's players take a water break during their clash with Holland
The players are off for a drinks break
32min: This is how hot the conditions are,
play has halted briefly as both teams go off for a drinks break - one
which would suit Holland far more than Mexico who have looked
comfortable.
This will last three minutes and the game time will run on, meaning we are set for a chunk of first half stoppage time.
This will last three minutes and the game time will run on, meaning we are set for a chunk of first half stoppage time.
30min: Louis van Gaal is hastily making notes on the Holland bench as Mexico continue to test Cilessen.
The latest effort is food and drink for the Dutch keeper though as he easily collects a low 20-yard shot from Dos Santos at his near post.
The latest effort is food and drink for the Dutch keeper though as he easily collects a low 20-yard shot from Dos Santos at his near post.
27min: Holland continue to struggle spotting an attacking pass, while Georginio Wijnaldum is struggling to spot anything.
The forward has had to go off the pitch for a few moments to help put in a contact lens which appears to be giving him problems.
The forward has had to go off the pitch for a few moments to help put in a contact lens which appears to be giving him problems.
24min: Holland are chasing shadows and are
hanging on a bit here. Carlos Salcido lets fly with a testing drive from
30 yards which Cillessen does well to parry behind.
Foot loose: Mexico's Hector Herrera was fortunate not to pick up a head injury in a battle with Ron Vlaar and Stefan De Vrij
21min: How on earth does Herrera come out of
this with his head still on his shoulders? On another note how do
Mexico not win a penalty?
Herrera charges with menace inside the box, but as he goes to head the ball down, he ends up getting a kick in the head by Ron Vlaar with Stefan de Vrij also raising a high foot inside the box.
I have little doubt he would have got a free-kick outside the box for that.
Herrera charges with menace inside the box, but as he goes to head the ball down, he ends up getting a kick in the head by Ron Vlaar with Stefan de Vrij also raising a high foot inside the box.
I have little doubt he would have got a free-kick outside the box for that.
18min: Chance for Mexico! El Tri are really
taking the game to the Dutch so far but after Dos Santos's cut-back
eventually finds Hector Herrera's inside the box, he makes a yard of
space before dragging a low shot wide.
15min: If the heat benefits anyone, it's Mexico and they are having the better of this game so far.
Layun is finding space high up on the left and his low cross into the six-yard box just evades Giovani dos Santos.
Out of ideas? Holland Dirk Kuyt (right) gestures during a challenge from Mexico's defender Paul Aguilar
Layun is finding space high up on the left and his low cross into the six-yard box just evades Giovani dos Santos.
From Sportsmail's Ian Ladyman in Fortaleza
'Interesting tactics from Holland, here. Playing with a
back five, when Mexico have the ball the two holding players also drop
in which essentially leaves the Dutch with a back seven.
'No surprise, therefore, that Mexico have had all the play so far. A blow for the Dutch that De Jong has gone off. That has forced Blind to come out of the centre half position in to midfield alongside Wijnaldum. Substitute Martins Indi is in defence.'
Early end: Nigel de Jong of Holland shakes hands with head coach Louis van Gaal as he is substituted
'No surprise, therefore, that Mexico have had all the play so far. A blow for the Dutch that De Jong has gone off. That has forced Blind to come out of the centre half position in to midfield alongside Wijnaldum. Substitute Martins Indi is in defence.'
12min: That De Jong change came out of the
blue. The midfielder didn't appear injured as he walked off but neither
did he look like a player annoyed that he had been replaced after just
nine minutes. Strange one that.
Meanwhile the game perhaps predictably hasn't quite going yet under the searing heat as a Mexican Wave starts up in the crowd.
Meanwhile the game perhaps predictably hasn't quite going yet under the searing heat as a Mexican Wave starts up in the crowd.
Holland substitution
9min: Where did Cillessen go to learn the art of sweeper keeping? He's certainly no Hugo Lloris.
The Dutch keeper races off his line well to intercept a through ball 20 yards out, but he's sliced clearance is extremely fortunate to land at the feet of a team-mate 10 yards from him.
Meanwhile, Holland have to make their first change as Nigel de Jong trudges off to be replaced by Bruno Martins Indi.
The Dutch keeper races off his line well to intercept a through ball 20 yards out, but he's sliced clearance is extremely fortunate to land at the feet of a team-mate 10 yards from him.
Meanwhile, Holland have to make their first change as Nigel de Jong trudges off to be replaced by Bruno Martins Indi.
6min: Hmm, another half-chance for Mexico.
It's still not enough to worry Jasper Cillessen in the Holland goal
though as Layun again fires off target from a similar position - this
time wide of the Dutch keeper's near post.
3min: Given the heat, we shouldn't expect
too much pressing or even quick play. But that doesn't mean we won't see
any action as Miguel Layun strikes just over the bar from 25 yards for
Mexico.
Heads up: Mexico's forward Oribe Peralta (left) challenges Holland defender Ron Vlaar for the ball in the air
From Sportsmail's Ian Ladyman in Fortaleza
'Well you will have probably gathered by now that it’s a
terribly hot day here in Fortaleza. I was walking outside by hotel three
hours ago and it was up to 30 degrees already at what was only 10am
local time.
'It must be nudging 40 down on the pitch and that simply has to suit Mexico. The pitch looks dry and a bit scuffed, clearly why FIFA didn’t allow the teams to train on it yesterday.'
'It must be nudging 40 down on the pitch and that simply has to suit Mexico. The pitch looks dry and a bit scuffed, clearly why FIFA didn’t allow the teams to train on it yesterday.'
Remember to get the most out of our live coverage by following all the action with our excellent Match Zone.
It features the latest line-ups, formations, match stats and a player comparison tool.
In addition there are heat zones for every player as well as detailed maps of all the goals as they go in. Click on the above link for more.
It features the latest line-ups, formations, match stats and a player comparison tool.
In addition there are heat zones for every player as well as detailed maps of all the goals as they go in. Click on the above link for more.
Out come the players in a baking hot Fortaleza...
Forget whether players can do it on a wet and windy January
night in Stoke, how about a roasting hot afternoon in Fortaleza. A big
test awaits these players today as they arrive on the pitch.
Winning the double: A Holland fans
kisses a Brazil supporter while holding a replica World Cup trophy
before his side take on Mexico in Fortaleza
Ready to go: A Mexico supporter waits for the start of the World Cup round of 16 clash
Dirk Kuyt all set to collect 100th cap
Milestones are being reached everywhere it seems, with Dirk Kuyt ready to collect his 100th cap this afternoon.
Wesley Sneijder also reached the 100 club at this tournament in the win against Spain.
I doubt either of them would have played in conditions this hot today though. In fact so warm are the condition in Fortaleza, the players are set to be given a designated drinks break 30 minutes into the game.
Drinks are on me: Dutch players drink during the warm up in the hot Fortaleza conditions
Wesley Sneijder also reached the 100 club at this tournament in the win against Spain.
I doubt either of them would have played in conditions this hot today though. In fact so warm are the condition in Fortaleza, the players are set to be given a designated drinks break 30 minutes into the game.
From InfostradaLIve
PLAYER WATCH: Arjen Robben (Holland)
One of the stars of the tournament has been Arjen Robben, and
the Holland forward will be crucial if the Dutch are to reach a second
successive World Cup final.
The Bayern Munich star was electric in the wins against Spain and Australia, and while he was slightly off colour in the 2-0 victory over Chile, he was still a constant attacking threat from many areas. Here's his heat map from that match.
Click here for more maps and stats with our excellent Match Zone
The Bayern Munich star was electric in the wins against Spain and Australia, and while he was slightly off colour in the 2-0 victory over Chile, he was still a constant attacking threat from many areas. Here's his heat map from that match.
Click here for more maps and stats with our excellent Match Zone
Full line-ups from Fortaleza
Holland: Cillessen, Vlaar, De Vrij, Verhaegh, Kuyt, Wijnaldum, De Jong, Blind, Sneijder, Robben, Van Persie.
Subs: Vorm, Martins Indi, Janmaat, De Guzman, Veltman, Kongolo, Clasie, Lens, Fer, Huntelaar, Depay, Krul.
Mexico: Ochoa, Aguilar, Rodriguez, Marquez, Moreno, Layun, Salcido, Herrera, Guardado, Giovani, Peralta.
Subs: Corona, Reyes, Fabian, Jimenez, Pulido, Hernandez, Ponce, Brizuela, Aquino, Pena, Talavera.
Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)
Under the sun: Holland's Wesley Sneijder, Dirk Kuyt, Paul Verhaegh and Stefan de Vrij warm up in Fortaleza
Subs: Vorm, Martins Indi, Janmaat, De Guzman, Veltman, Kongolo, Clasie, Lens, Fer, Huntelaar, Depay, Krul.
Mexico: Ochoa, Aguilar, Rodriguez, Marquez, Moreno, Layun, Salcido, Herrera, Guardado, Giovani, Peralta.
Subs: Corona, Reyes, Fabian, Jimenez, Pulido, Hernandez, Ponce, Brizuela, Aquino, Pena, Talavera.
Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)
...okay it's a time lapse video, but it still looks impressive.
So can Robin van Persie return with a bang?
Robin van Persie was suspended for Holland's final group
stage game against Chile but the Manchester United striker is back in
action and has been on form at this World Cup.
The Dutchman has three goals in this competition and you an back him to score again today and for Holland to win in 90 minutes at 3/1 with Coral.
Going for goals: Holland's Robin van Persie arrives in Fortaleza for the last 16 clash
The Dutchman has three goals in this competition and you an back him to score again today and for Holland to win in 90 minutes at 3/1 with Coral.
From InfostradaLive - are Mexico just a little too predictable?
Mexico have been eliminated in the last 16 round in the
last five World Cup Finals: 1994 (v Bulgaria), 1998 (v Germany), 2002 (v
USA), 2006 (v Argentina) and 2010 (v Argentina). No team has ever been
eliminated at the same stage in six successive World Cups.
And let's face it, the odds are stacked against them today...
Heading home from the last 16 again? Mexican supporters cheer for their team ahead of their team's clash with Holland
And let's face it, the odds are stacked against them today...
Team news from Fortaleza...
Two changes for Holland, and it's little surprise to see
Robin van Persie back in the side as the captain returns from
suspension.
Along with Paul Verhaegh, the duo replace Daryl Janmaat and Jeremain Lens from the side which defeated Chile 2-0 last time out.
Mexico make just the one change from the 3-1 win over Croatia with Carlos Salcido in the side in place of Jose Vazquez.
Gunning for the last eight: Holland boss Louis van Gaal arrives at the Estadio Castelao
Along with Paul Verhaegh, the duo replace Daryl Janmaat and Jeremain Lens from the side which defeated Chile 2-0 last time out.
Mexico make just the one change from the 3-1 win over Croatia with Carlos Salcido in the side in place of Jose Vazquez.
Mexico starting XI
Ochoa, Rodriguez, Salcido, Marquez, Herrera, Layun, Dos Santos, Moreno, Guardado, Peralta, Aguilar.
Holland starting XI
Cillessen, Vlaar, De Vrij, Blind, De Jong, Van Persie, Sneijder, Robben, Verhaegh, Kuyt, Wijnaldum.
So Brazil and Colombia have set the bar in terms of entertainment...
...but can any of our remaining last 16 teams match the high drama and quality already produced by our two quarter-finalists.
If any of them can - then these two can. But will it be Dutch delight or Mexican magic gracing the last eight? Team news coming next.
Left hanging: The shirt worn by Arjen Robben of Holland hangs in the Fortaleza dressing room
If any of them can - then these two can. But will it be Dutch delight or Mexican magic gracing the last eight? Team news coming next.
Follow
Sportsmail's coverage of the World Cup as Holland continue their bid to
reach successive finals when they face Mexico in Fortaleza.
Louis
van Gaal's team threw down a gauntlet to the rest of the teams left in
the tournament by winning all three of their group games - including a
5-1 humiliation of world champions Spain - and are now one of the
favourites to triumph in Brazil.
Mexico
progressed from a tough looking group to finish behind the host nation
and will now aim to avoid being knocked out in the last 16 for the sixth
consecutive finals.
No comments:
Post a Comment