By Brenz
June 3 2006

Holland played Mexico in a friendly yesterday, as their preparation for the World Cup in Germany continues. Holland's first friendly, against Cameroon, ended in a 1-0 victory for Oranje. Mexico is being considered as the toughest opponent during their preparation campaign. Line-ups:

Holland coach Marco Van Basten played a team of reserves against Mexico, last night. AZ goalkeeper Henk Timmer played instead of Holland's definite number one Edwin van der Sar and the backline contained Kromkamp and De Cler as backs instead of Jaliens (injured) and Van Bronckhorst (rested), Boulahrouz paired, young Ajax sweeper, Heitinga in the centre. Denny Landzaat, Wesley Sneijder and Hedwiges Maduro were being played in midfield. Van Persie and Babel played on the wings with Dirk Kuyt as deep striker. So no big stars such as Robben, Van Nistelrooy or Cocu at the start for Holland, Mexico, instead, played with all their big named players like Rafael Marquez, Guillermo Franco and Jared Borgetti.

The match:

The match started off slow with Holland passing the ball around without searching for a immediate effective attack first. Both teams didn't create any chances untill Mexico and Bolton striker Jared Borgetti headed home from a corner after 19 minutes of play. Holland created only one big chance in the first 45 minutes, it was Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie who missed the target only by a few inches, after he shot on target from outside the box.

At half time, Marco Van Basten substituted goalkeeper Timmer for the talented Maarten Stekelenburg, Van Persie was subbed aswell for PSV giant Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.

Holland were the better team again at the beginning of the second half and it was John Heitinga who equalised for Holland in the 52nd minute. The young defender headed level after a quality corner by Van Persie. Holland started to look confident after the equaliser and only five minutes later Ryan Babel scored the winner with a typical, unstoppable shot in the right corner. Not long after Babel's goal, he had the opportunity to score again but he, amazingly, missed a easy sitter from a few yards out. Dirk Kuyt picked up a pass and ran past a defender and towards goal, but Kuyt's shot got blocked and Babel missed the rebound. Holland dominated the rest of the game as Mexico played really laidback, it was obvious that both teams didn't wanted players to get injured. It was a very friendly game without harsh tackles and without any bookings.