体坛英语新闻：Mexico enlarges Dutch crisis with win in Amsterdam

AMSTERDAM, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands, third at the past World Cup, lost 3-2 to Mexico, the fourth time in the last five matches, in Amsterdam on Wednesday, increasing the pressure on coach Guus Hiddink.

The Dutch team is in crisis after the World Cup. New head coach Hiddink, who succeeded Louis van Gaal, even put his position at stake last Friday, stating that he would quit if 'Oranje' wouldn' t win Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Latvia.

Before Latvia the Dutch met Mexico in a friendly in Amsterdam. With this encounter the thoughts of both teams went back to the last sixteen of the World Cup, when the Netherlands beat Mexico 2- 1, thanks to two late goals by Wesley Sneijder and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. The last goal came from a penalty, after Robben claimed to be brought down. As a result the Mexican fans in Amsterdam booed Robben for the whole match.

The home-team played without captain Robin van Persie, who suffered from a minor injury, and Hiddink chose Tim Krul as goal keeper instead of Jasper Cillessen. Defenders Ricardo van Rhijn and Jetro Willems returned after having played their last matches in 2013, while Ron Vlaar was back in the team after having been out injured since the World Cup. The latter couldn't enjoy his comeback, because he limped off injured in the first half and was substituted by Stefan de Vrij.

Just like previous matches the Dutch came behind early. Carlos Vela opened the scoring with a long-distance shot. The Dutch took control in the second part of the first half, without creating major chances. On the stroke of half-time Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who replaced Van Persie up front, had the biggest chance, but he missed from close range.

In the second half the Dutch started well with the equalizer by Wesley Sneijder, just like in Fortaleza four months ago. His powerful shot made Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa hopeless. Unlike in Brazil the Dutch didn't move on. Krul had a magnificent save on an attempt by Javier Hernandez from close range, but capitalized on a shot by Vela in the 62nd minute. Hernandez made it 3-1 seven minutes later.

The Netherlands came back to 3-2 with a deflected shot by Daley Blind, but couldn't go further. The Mexicans had their revenge and for the fourth time in five matches under Hiddink 'Oranje' lost. The pressure will be immense for Sunday's match against Latvia. Do or die for Hiddink.