Robben Draws Crucial Penalty as Netherlands Completes 2-1 Comeback

He could not break free from the Mexico defense, but Arjen Robben helped see the Netherlands through to the quarterfinals. Bayern Munich's Dutchman drew the penalty in stoppage time that lead to the game winning goal from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, putting the Oranje ahead 2-1 in the waining minutes of the match.

Robben, coming in from the right, tried to cut back from the goal line when Márquez stepped on his foot. The 30-year-old went to ground, and referee Pedro Proença pointed to the spot. Huntelaar stepped up and put the penalty kick to the left of Guillermo Ochoa in goal.

Louis van Gaal first deployed Robben as a second striker, the position he has played for a majority of the World Cup. Once Giovani dos Santos rocketed Mexico in front, van Gaal told Memphis Depay begin his warmup. Robben shifted to a right winger role once Depay entered, and his productivity increased astronomically as Mexico sat back to preserve their fragile 1-0 lead.

Miguel Herrera deployed at least two henchmen to shut out Robben and Robin van Persie for most of the match. Robben had to defer to a teammate on several occasions while trying to cut inside and try to find the right angle. It is the first match in the World Cup that he did not collect a goal or an assist.

The Netherlands will either play Costa Rica or Greece in the quarterfinals, the two playing later on Sunday. Bayern now has two players already advancing – Dante and Robben – with eight more yet to play.