Mexico enlarges Dutch crisis with win

Amsterdam, Nov 13: The Netherlands, bronze medallist in World Cup 2014, lost 2-3 to Mexico to suffer fourth defeat in last five matches here.

Mexico rode on Carlos Vela's brace (6th and 61st minutes) and Javier Hernandez's strike in the 68th to beat the Dutch team. Star striker Wesley Sneijder (48th) and Daley Blind (73rd) scored for the home team Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

Vela opened the scoring with a long-distance shot. The Real Sociedad player received a pass from Hector Herrera in the middle of the field and lashed a left-footed blast past a diving Tim Krul in the sixth minute. 

The Dutch took control in the second part of the first half, without creating major chances. On the stroke of first half, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who replaced skipper Robin Van Persie up front, had the biggest chance, but he missed from close range.

In the second half, the Dutch started well with the equaliser by Sneijder, whose powerful shot made Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa hopeless. 

Later, Krul had a magnificent save on an attempt by Javier Hernandez from close range in the 56th minute.

Five minutes later, substitute mid-fielder Jesus Corona picked out Vela with a fine cross-field pass that the striker gave a perfect finish in the 61st minute. 

Hernandez made it 3-1 seven minutes later.

The Netherlands managed to reduce the deficit to one goal with a deflected shot by Daley Blind, but failed to go further, thereby suffering fourth loss in five matches under new coach Guus Hiddink.

The Dutch team will take on Latvia Sunday.