Why Mexico is Still Fuming at the Netherlands Over a World Cup Incident

Mexico reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986, which remains the country's best-ever performance. However, they have been eliminated in the Round of 16 seven consecutive times, with the 2014 edition in Brazil still a particularly painful memory for the nation. Playing in scorching Fortaleza, Mexico seemed poised for an upset against Louis van Gaal's Netherlands squad.

Giovani Dos Santos surprised goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen with a long-range shot shortly after halftime, putting Mexico up 1-0. They held their lead for a significant period, as the Dutch struggled to break down their resilient defense and the exceptional goalkeeping of Guillermo Ochoa. It wasn't until the 88th minute that Wesley Sneijder finally equalized. Extra time seemed inevitable, until Arjen Robben received the ball in injury time.

The star winger dribbled past a Mexican defender when captain Rafael Márquez attempted to trip him, quite literally. Robben went down in the box. While Márquez appeared to make contact with Robben's toes, it must be said that the Dutch star made the most of the opportunity to dramatically hit the turf. The Portuguese referee awarded a controversial penalty, which Klaas-Jan Huntelaar confidently converted, sending the furious Mexicans out of the tournament.

For the Netherlands, the incident was merely a footnote in a World Cup campaign that ended with a bronze medal. For Mexico, it was a footballing trauma. They were seething with anger. One newspaper branded Robben a 'clown' and the referee a 'pickpocket'. When Mexico played a friendly against the Netherlands months later, Robben was relentlessly booed by the Mexican away fans. And for one particular fan, the heartbreak lingered for an exceptionally long time.

Every day, an angry Mexican supporter posted the infamous words No Era Penal on social media. 'It wasn't a penalty.' It wasn't until November 9, 2024, ten years and 125 days after the much-debated decision, that he decided to end his campaign. Robben's action, which he himself considered a perfectly legitimate penalty, is far from forgotten.

Earlier this year, the Dutchman featured as a 'World Cup villain' in a commercial for a popular Mexican chip brand. Robben isn't the only former top footballer to appear in this role in the ad. The other is Argentine Maxi Rodríguez, who dramatically eliminated Mexico from the 2006 World Cup.

The two endure a tough time in the commercial due to the extremely spicy chips, but by the end of the ad, peace is made. However, a post from the chip brand on Instagram twelve years later still leaves no doubt for Mexicans: according to them, it was not a penalty.

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