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The Dutch won this with two rapid goals in the dying moments of the game, after the Mexicans had scored almost at the beginning of the second half.

Mexico, both the team and the country, must have thought they were almost there. With two minutes of normal time remaining they were leading 1-0. All they had to do was last these two minutes, plus the six minutes of extra time.

Unfortunately the Dutch were in the ascendancy and Robben was causing havoc down the right flank, but the Mexicans were undone by a simply spectacular strike from Sneijder following a corner. Deep into injury time Robben drove for the goal from the byline and was upended in the box. Or did he dive? Whatever, the penalty was taken by Huntelaar who calmly slotted the ball past the excellent Ochoa in the Mexican goal. Game, set and match.

This game was played in temperatures approaching 39C, but that will seem cool compared to what players will encounter in Qatar. However, for the first time there were official 'Cooling Breaks' in each half. The time taken up with the breaks was added on at the end of each half. That effectively turned the match into a game of unequal quarters and van Gaal in particular, used the breaks as coaching sessions.

This was the first time that I have watched the Netherlands in this World Cup and I had half an eye on them wondering if Saints will be a reflection of the Dutch style.

In the end, they were impressive, in spite of Robben's predilection for diving. The ironic thing was the most obvious tackle which should have been a penalty, wasn't, because Robben skipped over the hanging leg of the Mexican, but his attempted shot came to nothing.

The Dutch front line is impressive. Van Persie, Sneijder and Robben. Their defence slightly less so. I would like to say that I was sorry for the Mexicans, but that would not be true. I was actually impressed with the way the Dutch ratcheted up the pressure as the second half wore on until, finally the Mexicans broke. All this in temperatures in excess of 38C.

So, The Netherlands move on to Salvador on Saturday to meet Costa Rica. A semi-final in Sao Paulo beckons.

channonite