/ Sep 30, 2026
/ Sep 30, 2026

Morocco beat Netherlands on penalties to reach World Cup last 16

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Morocco booked their place in the FIFA World Cup last 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw after extra time in Monterrey.

 

The Atlas Lions will now face Canada in Houston on Saturday after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero, saving Crysencio Summerville’s penalty before Ismael Saibari converted the decisive spot-kick.

According to AFP, Morocco snatched extra time in dramatic fashion when Issa Diop headed home Chemsdine Talbi’s cross in the first minute of stoppage time, denying the Dutch victory at the death.

The Netherlands had looked set to progress after Cody Gakpo put them ahead midway through the second half. The Liverpool forward, playing days after the reported loss of his unborn child, celebrated emotionally with teammates after finishing from Crysencio Summerville’s cross.

Morocco created the better opportunities for much of the contest. Neil El Aynaoui was denied by an outstanding reflex save from Bart Verbruggen, who also tipped over a fierce effort from Achraf Hakimi before halftime.

The physical encounter saw several robust challenges, with Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio frequently called into action as tensions rose between both teams.

The Dutch nearly doubled their advantage, but Morocco refused to surrender. Diop’s injury-time header sent the match into extra time, where Verbruggen produced another remarkable save to deny Soufiane Rahimi from close range.

The tie eventually went to penalties. Although El Aynaoui struck the crossbar with Morocco’s opening kick, Bounou’s crucial stop from Summerville allowed Saibari to seal victory and spark celebrations among the Moroccan players and supporters.

The result sends Morocco into the knockout stage, where they will take on Canada for a place in the quarter-finals.

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