A 94th minute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar penalty saw Netherlands come from behind to break the hearts of Mexico and qualify for the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
In terms of international standing – this Round of 16 tie between Netherlands and Mexico was determined as a david versus goliath encounter but after 20 minutes of the game, Mexico had firmly stamped their authority on the game.
Giovani dos Santos and Oribe Peralta linked up well in the opening exchanges, resulting in the latter coming close, testing Jasper Cillessen.
Moments later and Hector Herrara came close but dragged his shot just wide, before Arjen Robben came close down the other end as Netherlands began to grow into the game.
The second half saw Mexico dominate again in the tough Brazilian heat and it was Dos Santos who gave his country the lead with a superb long range effort that had Cillessen with no chance.
The Central Americans held on until the 89th minute, thanks to some superb goalkeeping from Guilherme Ochoa, who denied Robben and Stefan De Vrij.
However, the former Ajaccio stopper could not stop a strong volley from Wesley Sneijder, who got his side back on level terms.
The game would then edge towards extra time, but a late mistake from the experienced Rafael Marquez saw the former Barcelona man haul down Robben inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot.
Up stepped second half substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who made no mistake to send his side through to the quarter-finals.