- Morocco came from behind to beat the Netherlands on penalties and secure a place in the World Cup last 16
- Cody Gakpo had put the Dutch ahead, but Issa Diop’s stoppage-time equaliser forced extra time
- After a tense shootout with several missed penalties, Ismail Saibari sealed a 3–2 victory for Morocco
Morocco produced a stunning comeback to defeat the Netherlands on penalties in Monterrey, booking their place in the World Cup last 16 and underlining their growing reputation on the global stage.
Despite Morocco controlling large spells of the match, they were repeatedly frustrated by excellent goalkeeping from Bart Verbruggen and the woodwork, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
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The breakthrough eventually came in the 72nd minute when Cody Gakpo finished a rapid counterattack with a powerful strike.
The Liverpool forward, who had earlier revealed the heartbreaking loss of his unborn child, chose to stay with the Dutch squad and was given the start by coach Ronald Koeman, who also switched to a back five for the first time in 32 games.
Morocco refused to fold and were rewarded deep into stoppage time when Issa Diop rose highest to head in a late equaliser from a curling cross by Chemsdine Talbi, forcing extra time.
In the added period, Morocco pushed hard again and Verbruggen produced a remarkable save to deny Soufiane Rahimi after a brilliant solo run. Neither side could find a winner, sending the match to penalties.
The shootout was filled with drama and misses. Teun Koopmeiners gave the Netherlands an early advantage, but Neil El Aynaoui struck the crossbar. Justin Kluivert then hit the post, while Rahimi saw his effort slip past Verbruggen. Wout Weghorst restored Dutch hopes with a confident finish, but Crysencio Summerville was denied by Yassine Bounou. Hakimi also struck the woodwork, leaving the tension level.
Ultimately, Ismail Saibari kept his composure, sending Verbruggen the wrong way to seal a 3–2 shootout victory for Morocco and send them through to face Canada in Houston.
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