Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's stoppage-time penalty handed Netherlands a 2-1 win over Mexico in their World Cup last-16 clash in Fortaleza this afternoon.

Giovani dos Santos had handed Mexico the lead in the early stages of the second period, before Wesley Sneijder levelled two minutes from time.

Netherlands were not finished, however, and secured their spot in the quarter-finals with a late penalty from Huntelaar after Arjen Robben had been felled by Rafael Marquez inside the box.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed during the 90 minutes of action.

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NETHERLANDS

Goal

Jasper Cillessen: Couple of nervy moments for the stopper, but did make some smart saves in the second period. That said, might have done better with Mexico's opener. (6/10)

Defence

Daley Blind: Another solid performance from the Ajax defender, who was deployed in a number of different positions. Never looked unnerved by the occasion. (7/10)

Stefan de Vrij: Could follow Louis van Gaal to Manchester United this summer and further demonstrated his class with a towering display at the heart of the Dutch defence. (7/10)

Ron Vlaar: Caught out by Mexico's pace in the first period, but recovered in the second. Headed a late effort over the crossbar. Has had a solid tournament. (7/10)

Paul Verhaegh: Introduced into the Dutch XI this afternoon and was steady before being replaced by Memphis Depay in the early stages of the second period. (6/10)

Midfield

Georginio Wijnaldum: Did not have too much of an influence in the final third, but was a busy presence in the middle of the park. Passing was also tidy. (6/10)

Nigel de Jong: Replaced with a suspected injury after just nine minutes of football. (5/10)

Dirk Kuyt: Finished at right-back in a match that saw the veteran win his 100th Dutch cap. Gave 100% in every position and still looked one of the fittest players on the pitch. (7/10)

Attack

Wesley Sneijder: Had a bit of a shocker until the 88th minute, when he rattled a brilliant effort into the bottom corner for the Dutch equaliser. (7/10)

Robin van Persie: Quiet game from the Manchester United striker, who was replaced by Huntelaar in the latter stages of normal time. (6/10)

Arjen Robben: Once again brilliant for his country. Should have had a first-half penalty, but gained a vital spot kick late on. Mexico just could not deal with his pace and direct running. (9/10)

Substitutes

Bruno Martins Indi: Replaced De Jong after nine minutes and slotted into the centre of defence. Suspect on the ball at times, but extremely strong in the tackle. (6/10)

Memphis Depay: Given another 30-minute cameo and provided pace and power in the final third. Has been a brilliant impact player for Van Gaal this summer. (7/10)

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar: Immediately looked a threat after replacing Van Persie late on and showed nerves of steel to send his penalty into the bottom corner. (8/10)

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MEXICO

Goal

Guillermo Ochoa: Another sensational performance from the free agent, who somehow denied Stefan de Vrij from point-blank range in the second period. Has had a terrific tournament. (8/10)

Defence

Francisco Rodriguez: Solid display from the veteran, but should have been the one pushing his side's defensive line higher in the latter stages. (6/10)

Hector Moreno: Had a strong first period, but did not emerge for the second after picking up an injury late in the first half. Lucky not to concede a penalty for a late challenge on Robben. (6/10)

Rafael Marquez: Been a brilliant presence this summer, but struggled this afternoon. Lucky not to concede a first-half penalty for a foul on Robben, but was punished late on. (6/10)

Midfield

Paul Aguilar: Proved a busy presence in the opening hour of football, but like a number of his teammates, faded in the latter stages as the Dutch pressure increased. (6/10)

Hector Herrera: Arguably the pick of the Mexican players. Brilliant engine in the middle of the park and showed his terrific range of passing. Had a very effective afternoon. (8/10)

Carlos Salcido: Brought into the XI to replace the suspended Jose Vazquez, but the game passed him by for long spells. Flashed a late effort high of the crossbar. (6/10)

Andres Guardado: Alongside Herrera, was one of Mexico's most influential players. However, was guilty of losing his discipline in the latter stages. (7/10)

Miguel Layun: Gave Netherlands nightmares in the first period with his bright running in wide areas, but was forced to retreat deeper and deeper as the Dutch took control in the second 45 minutes. (7/10)

Attack

Oribe Peralta: Bright running in the first half, but did not have too much joy in front of goal. Did not really justify his selection ahead of Javier Hernandez. (6/10)

Giovani dos Santos: Struggled in the first period, but scored a brilliant half-volley in the early stages of the second period. Was surprisingly replaced just past the hour mark. (7/10)

Substitutes

Diego Reyes: Replaced Moreno at the interval and slotted effortlessly into the back four. Porto defender is a real prospect for the future. (7/10)

Javier Aquino: Entered just past the hour mark, but was hardly seen in the final third. (5/10)

Javier Hernandez: Replaced Peralta with 15 minutes remaining, but was so isolated in the final third that it was almost impossible for the striker to make a telling impact. (6/10)

Written by
Matt Law