As much as I dislike players going over easily, I'd have to say that Rafael Marquez was simply outfoxed by the smarter, quicker footballer there. He was labouring as the game wore on, and Arjen Robben - while making a meal of the challenge - was definitely fouled.
Gw, I was hastily backtracking from that prediction at around 87 minutes in!
Copenhagen, good call - the fact that it was Robben going down has effectively absolved Marquez of all blame, when i fact he had no need to make the challenge, which was a lazy, tired attempt that simply wasn't needed.
JC, good call - however minimal the contact, if you make the challenge then you give the officials a decision to make. If Marquez had shepherded him away from goal, Mexico would probably be playing extra time right now.
As much as I dislike players going over easily, I'd have to say that Rafael Marquez was simply outfoxed by the smarter, quicker footballer there. He was labouring as the game wore on, and Arjen Robben - while making a meal of the challenge - was definitely fouled.
How can anyone say Holland aren't deserving winners? In the first half they conserved energy, absorbing Mexican pressure in the sweltering conditions. They conceded a spectacular goal and then attacked for the entire second half. Their two late goals were a victory for discipline and tactics, where as it appeared Mexico were the side who lacked fitness and cool heads when it mattered most.
