Morocco crash Netherlands out of World Cup on penalties to reach round of 16

Morocco booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a gripping 1-1 draw after extra time at Monterrey Stadium on Tuesday.

The Atlas Lions held their nerve from the spot despite both teams missing multiple penalties in a tense shootout, with PSV Eindhoven star Ismael Saibari converting the decisive kick after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou once again emerged as Morocco’s hero.

The victory sets up a Round of 16 clash against Canada on July 4, while the Netherlands suffered another heartbreaking World Cup exit on penalties.

The knockout contest was a tactical affair for much of regulation, with both teams cancelling each other out in a cautious first half.

Morocco gradually gained control after the interval, dominating possession and creating the better chances, but Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen produced several outstanding saves to keep the scores level.

Verbruggen first denied Neil El Aynaoui’s close-range header before reacting brilliantly moments later to push away Achraf Hakimi’s powerful strike.

Hakimi later struck the crossbar early in the second half as Morocco continued to pile on the pressure.

Despite being second best for long spells, the Netherlands struck first in the 72nd minute with their first meaningful attack.

Goalkeeper Verbruggen launched a long ball forward that Wout Weghorst flicked into the path of Crysencio Summerville.

Although the winger slipped inside the penalty area, he recovered to square the ball for Cody Gakpo, who fired a low finish beneath Bounou to give Ronald Koeman’s side a 1-0 lead.

The Oranje looked set to see out the victory until Morocco produced a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser. Substitute Chemsdine Talbi, introduced only minutes earlier, delivered a superb cross from the left that found defender Issa Diop, whose powerful header beat Verbruggen from close range in the first minute of added time.

Extra time produced few clear opportunities, although Morocco came closest to finding a winner. Soufiane Rahimi was denied from point-blank range by another excellent Verbruggen save after a clever move involving Talbi and Saibari.

With neither side able to find a decisive goal, the tie was settled from the penalty spot.

Teun Koopmeiners converted the opening kick for the Netherlands before Neil El Aynaoui struck the crossbar for Morocco.

Justin Kluivert then hit the post, allowing Soufiane Rahimi to level the shootout despite Verbruggen getting a hand to his effort.

Wout Weghorst restored the Dutch advantage, but Talbi responded calmly for Morocco.

Quinten Timber then blazed wide, while Hakimi missed the chance to win it after striking the post.

The decisive moment came when Bounou brilliantly saved Crysencio Summerville’s penalty, leaving Saibari with the opportunity to seal victory.

The forward made no mistake, confidently firing home to spark wild celebrations among the Moroccan players and supporters.

Having reached the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago, Morocco continue to prove they are among world football’s elite, while another painful penalty defeat leaves the Netherlands reflecting on what might have been.

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