Morocco booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after beating the Netherlands 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout on Monday. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Morocco holding their nerve to set up a clash with co-hosts Canada.
Ismael Saibari scored the winning penalty after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved Crysencio Summerville’s spot kick, sealing a memorable victory for Morocco.
The shootout had plenty of twists. Morocco’s Neil El Aynaoui and Dutch substitute Justin Kluivert both missed their penalties. Bart Verbruggen looked to have saved Soufiane Rahimi’s effort, but the ball slipped under his body and slowly crossed the line. Quinten Timber then fired wide for the Netherlands, while Achraf Hakimi missed the chance to finish the contest by hitting the post. Saibari eventually stepped up and calmly converted the decisive penalty.
The dramatic finish capped an entertaining contest in Monterrey. Cody Gakpo gave the Netherlands the lead in the second half, but Morocco struck back deep into stoppage time when Issa Diop powered home a header to force extra time. Neither side could find a winner over the next 30 minutes, sending the match to penalties.
Morocco’s players celebrated wildly at the final whistle as thousands of their fans inside the stadium erupted in joy. Many local Mexican supporters also got behind the African side throughout the match.
Morocco created the better chances before half-time, but Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made several outstanding saves to deny Ayoub Bouaddi and Neil El Aynaoui. At the other end, Bounou was tested by Micky van de Ven’s powerful long-range effort.
Hakimi was a constant threat down the right, hitting the crossbar and forcing another fine save from Verbruggen. The Netherlands improved after coach Ronald Koeman brought on Wout Weghorst, giving his side a stronger presence in attack.
The breakthrough finally came in the 72nd minute. Weghorst’s flick-on helped create the move before Summerville kept the attack alive, allowing Cody Gakpo to fire home with a first-time finish.
It was an emotional moment for Gakpo, who broke down in tears after scoring following the recent loss of his and his partner’s unborn child. His teammates immediately gathered around to comfort him.
The Netherlands looked set to progress as Virgil van Dijk made a crucial defensive block while Morocco pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
But in stoppage time, substitute Chemsdine Talbi delivered a superb cross into the box and Issa Diop rose above Van Dijk to head past Verbruggen, sending the match into extra time.
Both teams had chances during extra time as the game continued to swing from end to end, but neither could find a winning goal.
Morocco eventually held their nerve in the shootout to keep their World Cup dream alive and secure a place in the Round of 16, where they will face Canada in Houston on Saturday.
