Morocco pulled off another famous FIFA World Cup upset by defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw following extra time in their Round of 32 clash at Estadio Monterrey.
The Atlas Lions repeated the feat they achieved at the 2022 World Cup, when they eliminated Spain in a penalty shootout, to knock out another European heavyweight and book a place in the Round of 16.
After a goalless first half dominated by Morocco, the Netherlands broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo.
Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen launched a long ball forward, with substitute Wout Weghorst flicking it into the path of Crysencio Summerville. Although the winger slipped while driving into the penalty area, he managed to square the ball for Gakpo, who fired a low finish beneath Yassine Bounou to give the Dutch the lead.
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Just when Ronald Koeman’s side looked set to progress, Morocco struck deep into stoppage time.
Substitute Chemsdine Talbi delivered a superb cross from the left that found Issa Diop, who powered a header past Verbruggen in the first minute of added time to force extra time.
Morocco nearly completed the comeback in extra time when Talbi again unlocked the Dutch defence, sending Soufiane Rahimi through on goal. However, Verbruggen produced a magnificent point-blank save to keep the scores level and send the contest to penalties.
The Netherlands made the brighter start to the shootout as Teun Koopmeiners converted the opening kick, but Neil El Aynaoui struck the crossbar for Morocco.
Justin Kluivert then rattled the post with the Netherlands’ second penalty before Soufiane Rahimi restored parity despite Verbruggen getting a hand to his effort.
Wout Weghorst converted for the Dutch, while Chemsdine Talbi calmly replied for Morocco.
Quinten Timber then fired wide, giving Morocco the chance to take control, but captain Achraf Hakimi struck the post to keep the scores level.
The decisive moment came when Crysencio Summerville saw his penalty brilliantly saved by Bounou, leaving Ismael Saibari with the opportunity to seal victory.
The PSV midfielder made no mistake, calmly rolling his effort into the bottom corner to spark wild celebrations among the Moroccan players and supporters as they secured a 3-2 shootout triumph.
Bounou once again proved Morocco’s hero in a World Cup penalty shootout, while Verbruggen’s outstanding performance, which included several crucial saves during normal and extra time, ultimately could not prevent the Oranje from crashing out.
The Atlas Lions will now face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16 on July 4 as they continue their impressive World Cup campaign.
