Morocco beat Netherlands on penalties to reach World Cup last 16 after dramatic comeback

Gakpo’s emotional goal cancelled out in stoppage time, Morocco produced a spirited comeback before holding their nerve in a tense penalty shootout to eliminate the Netherlands and book a place in the last 16 of the World Cup following a dramatic encounter in Monterrey, Sport360NG reports. 

The North Africans triumphed 3-2 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 following extra time, with Ismail Saibari converting the decisive kick to send Morocco into a last-16 clash against Canada in Houston on Saturday.

The result denied Cody Gakpo an emotional match-winning moment after the . forward, who recently revealed the heartbreaking loss of his unborn son, had given the Dutch the lead late in normal time.

Morocco dominate despite Dutch resistance

Morocco controlled large spells of the contest but found Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen in inspired form. The Brighton shot-stopper produced several key saves, while the woodwork also frustrated Morocco’s relentless attacking efforts.

The game began at a frantic pace, featuring several physical duels across the pitch. Ismail Saibari and Jan Paul van Hecke repeatedly clashed, while Brian Brobbey battled Morocco defender Chadi Riad, who even required a shirt change after one of their confrontations.

Achraf Hakimi, making his 100th international appearance, almost created the breakthrough midway through the first half. His dangerous corner was flicked on by Neil El Aynaoui, only for Verbruggen to produce an outstanding close-range save. Moments later, the Dutch goalkeeper was again called into action to deny Hakimi’s fierce strike from outside the penalty area.

The Netherlands struggled to threaten in attack, managing their first attempt only after 37 minutes when Micky van de Ven’s long-range effort was tipped over by Yassine Bounou. Hakimi also came close before halftime, but his dangerous free-kick narrowly evaded Saibari at the far post.

Gakpo’s late strike sparks hope

Morocco continued to push after the restart, with Hakimi rattling the crossbar from a tight angle after being played through by Azzedine Ounahi. Van de Ven also produced a vital last-ditch challenge to deny the Morocco captain another clear opportunity.

Despite Morocco’s dominance, Ronald Koeman’s tactical switch proved effective. After replacing Brian Brobbey with Wout Weghorst and reverting to a back four, the Dutch struck almost immediately.

Just 51 seconds after coming on, Weghorst flicked on a long clearance from Verbruggen into the path of Crysencio Summerville. The winger surged into the area before squaring for Gakpo, who fired beyond Bounou to trigger emotional celebrations with his teammates.

Diop forces extra time before Morocco prevail on penalties

Morocco refused to surrender and were rewarded deep into stoppage time when Issa Diop powered home a header from Chemsdine Taldi’s curling delivery to level the contest and force extra time.

The Dutch almost snatched victory in the dying moments of normal time, but Noussair Mazraoui made a perfectly timed challenge to stop Summerville from racing through on goal.

Verbruggen continued his outstanding display in extra time, producing one of the saves of the tournament to deny substitute Soufiane Rahimi after a dazzling solo run. However, neither side could find another breakthrough, sending the tie to penalties.

Teun Koopmeiners opened the shootout for the Netherlands before El Aynaoui struck the crossbar. Justin Kluivert then hit the post, allowing Rahimi to level despite Verbruggen getting a hand to his effort.

Weghorst restored the Dutch advantage and Taldi responded in kind before Quinten Timber dragged his penalty wide. Morocco failed to capitalise immediately as Hakimi also struck the post, but Bounou then made a crucial save to deny Summerville.

That left Saibari with the opportunity to settle the contest, and the midfielder calmly sent Verbruggen the wrong way to secure a memorable victory for Morocco and end the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign.