Wesley Sneijder Drops Bombshell: Dutch Star Admits Mexico Was Robbed in Controversial 2014 World Cup Penalty

Almost 12 years following one of the most devastating World Cup exits in Mexico's national team history, Dutch icon Wesley Sneijder has stirred up painful memories by confessing that his team's decisive goal came from an unwarranted penalty, acknowledging that in his view, "No era penal."

El Tri fans continue to struggle with the disputed penalty decision that crushed Mexico's 2014 World Cup aspirations in the knockout round against the Netherlands. Sneijder was present on the field that fateful day and more than ten years later, he's finally spoken out, endorsing the notorious three-word expression that has become linked with one of El Tri's most heartbreaking losses.

"I recall that moment from 2014," Sneijder stated prior to an exhibition match in Mexico this past weekend. "The 'no era penal.' I can share with you all, with complete honesty ... no era penal [it wasn't a penalty], but the official awarded the penalty so, well, that's how it went.

"I hold wonderful memories of Mexico. I don't believe you folks [Mexicans] hold wonderful memories of me, regrettably, but that's the reality."

Mexico was moments from overcoming the Netherlands on that notorious day in Fortaleza, Brazil, before Sneijder netted the equalizing goal in the closing stages. Then, one of the most devastating moments in Mexican football history unfolded.

The Origin of Mexico's Iconic 'No Era Penal' Phrase

The Origin of Mexico's Iconic 'No Era Penal' Phrase

With the knockout stage encounter tied at 1–1 well into added time, Arjen Robben tumbled inside the penalty box while attempting to maneuver past Rafael Márquez, earning a spot kick that Klaas-Jan Huntelaar converted for the victory. Video replays, however, revealed Márquez had positioned his foot firmly and appeared to avoid making contact with Robben, leading to the creation of the now legendary "no era penal" expression.

Discussion continues today about the penalty decision, but what remains certain is that it caused the exit of one of the finest El Tri squads to compete in the World Cup this century, a team that was moments from reaching the quarterfinals for the first time since 1986.

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"No era penal" evokes memories of what many consider the most heartbreaking day in El Tri's history. Nevertheless, more than ten years later, from Sneijder's perspective, it's time to "move on."

Mexico's failure to come close to reaching the World Cup quarterfinals in subsequent tournaments adds to the persistent anguish from the 2014 elimination that remains. For Sneijder, however, "no era penal" still causing pain a decade later demonstrates the fierce dedication El Tri supporters have for their national squad.

"I believe Robben can't stroll around here [Mexico] anymore," Sneijder remarked playfully. "But in one way I appreciate it, because that's the intensity, that's the devotion [Mexican fans show] for their nation. It's the love for football and I admire these qualities."

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Roberto Casillas is a Sports Illustrated FC freelance writer covering Liga MX, the Mexican National Team & Latin American players in Europe. He is a die hard Cruz Azul and Chelsea fan.