Mexico edge Holland in friendly

Posted Thursday, November 13, 2014 by Foxsports.com

Carlos Vela marked his international return with two goals as Mexico heaped more woe on Guus Hiddink's Holland in a friendly at the Amsterdam ArenA on Wednesday night.

Vela, who had not played for his national team for over three years, took just eight minutes to get back on the scoresheet as Miguel Herrera's men held out for an exciting 3-2 win.

Hiddink had hoped for some respite after a dismal Dutch start to the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign and with a crucial home clash against Latvia looming next Sunday.

With one eye on that fixture Hiddink rested Robin Van Persie who reported a slight injury, but named an otherwise strong side to face Mexico whom the Dutch beat in a dramatic finish to their World Cup last 16 game in Brazil.

If the visitors were intent on seeking any kind of revenge they were helped in the eighth minute when Vela underlined his return by sweeping home a fine left-foot shot from the edge of the box.

Despite an equally impressive strike from Wesley Sneijder to equalise four minutes into the second half, Vela struck again to put Mexico back in front just past the hour.

Manchester United's Javier Hernandez made it 3-1 after 69 minutes and although Daley Blind reduced the deficit there was to be no repeat of the late drama of the previous meeting in Fortaleza.