The 2014 FIFA World Cup has been nothing but exciting, and the Round of 16 tie between the Netherlands and Mexico certainly did not disappoint. An 88th minute goal, and 94th minute penalty changed the flavor of the game, ensuring that the Holland 2014 World Cup home shirt will be appearing in the quarterfinals. In a devastating 5 minutes the Mexico fans went from jubilation to sheer disappointment.
If the excitement of the 2014 FIFA World Cup has got you gripped with football fever it's not too late to shop for your official team kits and shirts. We still have stock of the Netherlands soccer jerseys and the Mexico football shirts, as well as a host of other team kits and merchandise. Place your order now, and with fast shipping options you could have your shirt before the next round!
Is 2014 The Year of the Netherlands?
The Netherlands national football team has suffered a series of biter and disappointing blows in their World Cup history. The team holds the record for playing in the most World Cup finals without ever lifting the trophy, coming in as runner-up in 1974, 1978 and 2010. Many fans feel it is time that their team finally celebrated glory.
The group stage draw threw up an interesting prospect for the Netherlands football team, they would meet Spain their 2010 World Cup final opponents. Holland went into the game determined to show they were serious contenders for the 2014 trophy. They beat Spain 5-1, almost ending the reigning champions tournament before it had begun.
Holland finished their group in the top spot winning all 3 games. Setting up a Round of 16 meeting against Mexico. Of the 2 Group A teams it is almost certain that the Netherlands team preferred to face the Mexico football shirts, as opposed to the group winners and host nation Brazil.
An Explosive Game to the Final Whistle
The Holland 2014 World Cup home shirt made only its second appearance of the tournament so far in tonight's game against Mexico. As the winning team of Group B against the Group A runner-up the Netherlands was afforded the home team position, as well as being the favorite to win with many commentators. None would underestimate a strong Mexican team, however, the determination of Holland seems unstoppable.
Both teams play in a similar style creating somewhat of a stalemate that could not be breached by either team. It is perhaps fair to say that Mexico had the best of the chances in the 1st half but both teams were struggling in the hottest match of the tournament so far. After 30 minutes the 1st 'cooling break' of the tournament was initiated, giving the team the opportunity to take on water and refresh.
After halftime Mexico made it clear that they were there to win. The Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza erupted to the cheers of thousands of Mexican football fans when dos Santos scored the 1st goal of the game just 2 minutes after the restart. Nobody could blame the fans and team wearing the Mexico football shirts for thinking that their team had secured a place in the quarterfinals, as the minutes ticked down with no more goals.
However, the Netherlands soccer team had other ideas, and certainly proved that a game isn't over until the final whistle blows. On the 88th minute Sneijder hit the net following a corner to make the score 1-1. Fans around the world were gearing up for the 2nd extra-time and possible penalty shoot-out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup knockout stage.
Due to the water break, 6 minutes of added time was awarded giving both teams an opportunity to clinch the winner. Most critics would have pinned Mexico as the most deserving team but a controversial penalty sealed the fate of the game. Mexican player Rafael Marquez was awarded a yellow card and gave away the penalty, giving the Holland 2014 World Cup home shirt the option of quarterfinal soccer.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar stepped up to the spot in the 93th minute of game play to take the all-important penalty. After seemingly being out of the game Huntelaar had the opportunity to ensure his teams progression to the quarterfinals and beyond. With nerves of steel, Huntelaar did not disappoint the millions of Netherlands fans watching around the world. He hit the net, avoiding the dreaded extra-time and penalties that were looming.
The Netherlands national team faces the prospect of a quarterfinal match against either Costa Rica or Greece. Netherlands will be firm favorite to win that tie so order the Holland 2014 World Cup home shirt at Soccer Box and get ready for kickoff.
