Before we go any further, let's have your input. Who do you reckon will reach the last 16 out of these two sides? And who has been your favourite player of the tournament so far? Don't be afraid to tell us which player you would like your team to sign (and let's have a dose of realism here).

Whatever you want to sound off about then here is your chance. Tweet using #bbcworldcup, text 81111 or post on our Facebook page, external and Google+ page., external What are you waiting for? Go, go, go!

Former England defender Danny Mills
BBC Radio 5 live

"This World Cup is almost a different competition now. You can afford to draw in the group stage, or you can afford to be a bit more adventurous. Now it is purely knockout football and you need to go for the win to get through."

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was expected to be third-choice for boss Miguel Herrera. He hasn't even got a club. Now he is our 'One to Watch' today - what a renaissance. Ochoa, who almost single-handedly defied Brazil in the group stage, receives a huge roar from those already inside Estadio Castelao as he emerges for his warm-up.

Image source, AP

Ben Smith
BBC Sport

"Welcome to Fortaleza where the temperatures are once again spiralling for this 1pm (local time) kick-off. The heat is a real concern for Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal and he has urged Fifa to allow the players drinks breaks today. The Dutch players have just got their first taste of the heat as they emerge from the tunnel and out onto the pitch down below me."

Match of the Day commentator Steve Bower:, external On my way to stadium in Fortaleza for Netherlands v Mexico. Mexicans everywhere, stinking hot, need a drinks break already.

BBC Radio 5 live

Build-up to the game is under way right now on BBC Radio 5 live before full match commentary from Conor McNamara and Pat Nevin begins at 17:00 BST.

You can listen on the radio and by clicking the Live Coverage tab at the top of this page.

While you're there you can also see what's happening in the Estadio Castelao by watching our live feed of the match build-up. We've just seen Wesley Sneijder dribbling through the stadium's corridor, in between shots of sun-soaked supporters supping on a cold bevvy.

Then, we see Arjen Robben clad head to toe in skin-tight orange lycra. Not the best selling point admittedly...

Ben Smith
BBC Sport at Fortaleza

"Dirk Kuyt becomes the seventh Dutch player to win 100 caps as he appears set to start at left wing-back in place of the recovering Bruno Martins Indi. Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal welcomes back captain Robin van Persie from suspension and Memphis Depay is once again on the bench, and can become the first player to score as a substitute in his first three appearances at a World Cup if he gets another today.

"Surprisingly, there is no place for Javier Hernandez in the Mexico starting XI. Oribe Peralta once again gets the nod, despite the Manchester United forward's goal in the last group match against Croatia. Carlos Salcido comes into the side in place of the suspended Jose Vasquez, who serves a one-match ban. "

Netherlands starting XI: Cillessen, Vlaar, De Vrij, Blind, De Jong, Van Persie (c), Sneijder, Robben, Verhaegh, Kuyt, Wijnaldum.

Mexico starting XI: Ochoa, Rodriguez, Salcido, Marquez (c), Herrera, Layun, Dos Santos, Moreno, Guardado, Peralta, Aguilar.

Image source, Getty Images

Hello! And welcome to day 18 of the World Cup or, should I say, day two of the knockout phase? Either way, we're thumping through the set-list at a frightening right. We have been warmed up with a few belters and now we're heading towards the crowd-pleasers where everyone (including your nan) can join in and sing along.

After Brazil and Colombia booked their quarter-final places, it is time for either the Netherlands or Mexico to join them in the last eight. But the pair have contrasting fortunes at this stage...

Image source, Getty Images

Heart beating faster. Adrenalin pumping. Mouth drying out. Psyching yourself up to strut on to the stage in front of a sea of screaming faces.

Glastonbury debutant headliners Kasabian could be forgiven for feeling a little nervous tonight. But not the Netherlands and Mexico. These two nations are old rock'n'rollers when it comes to preparing for their time under the lights - the World Cup knockout stage.

Been here, done this and got the festival T-shirt. But one of them will have to pull down the tent and pack their muddy boots tonight. They will be piling on to the minibus and going home.

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal welcomes back captain Robin van Persie from suspension.

Bruno Martins Indi is only fit enough to return to the bench after concussion so Dirk Kuyt continues at left back.

Mexico coach Miguel Herrera is without Jose Vasquez, who serves a one-match ban, so Carlos Salcido will deputise as the holding midfielder.

Aside from that, they are expected to be unchanged from the side that beat Croatia.