The Mexican national team has had many difficulties getting past the round of 16 in the World Cups. However, amidst this cliche, there are matches where he didn't deserve to be sent home. One such case was at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Wesley Sneijder, former Netherlands player, acknowledged that there was an injustice that influenced the match. The iconic desperate cry of "It wasn't a penalty" was heard again 11 years later. Wesley Sneijder was questioned about that controversial play by Arjen Robben that gave the Netherlands the victory. Sneijder believes that, in fact, there was no penalty.

“I love Mexico, I have good memories of Mexico, but I don't think they liked me (laughs). I remember the moment in 2014 with the 'it wasn't a penalty'. I can tell you, to be honest, it wasn't a penalty, but the referee called it. It is what it is,” Sneijder said in the mixed zone of the Legends Game.

Context of the iconic “It wasn't a penalty”

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil was a great opportunity for the Mexican team to make a statement and show that they were ready to be among the top 8 teams in the world.

El Tri finished their participation in Group A undefeated and tied on points with Brazil, the tournament host. With seven points, Mexico qualified for the round of 16 as runner-up in their group. Mexico's opponent was the Netherlands, the team that topped Group B with three wins in three matches. In the round of 16 match, Mexico held a narrow lead from the 48th minute thanks to a goal by Giovani Dos Santos. The Mexican team held on until Wesley Sneijder equalized in the 88th minute. Just when it seemed the match was headed to extra time, a recurring run down the wing by Arjen Robben inside the penalty area caused problems for Rafa Marquez. Robben went down, and Pedro Proenca, the referee for that match, awarded a penalty to the European side. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar converted the penalty after deceiving Guillermo Ochoa.Mexico said goodbye to the World Cup,but for several days the anger of Mexican fans echoed on social media with the iconic phrase "It wasn't a penalty." More than 10 years later, Wesley Sneijder admits they were right.