Morocco team that stunned Netherlands
Guadeloupe: Morocco pulled off a dramatic upset to knock out title hopefuls the Netherlands in a penalty shootout and book their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.
The thrilling contest ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time before Morocco prevailed 3-2 in the penalty shootout, sending the Dutch crashing out of the tournament. The result came shortly after Germany had also advanced through a penalty shootout victory over Paraguay.
The Netherlands appeared to be on course for victory when Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute. However, Morocco produced a stunning late comeback as Issa Diop rose highest to head home a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time, forcing the match into extra time.
Neither side could find a winner during the additional 30 minutes, taking the contest to a nerve-racking penalty shootout.
Teun Koopmeiners converted the opening penalty for the Netherlands, while Morocco’s Azzedine Ounahi missed his attempt, handing the Dutch an early advantage.
That advantage quickly disappeared when Justin Kluivert struck the crossbar with the Netherlands’ second penalty. Morocco levelled through Soufiane Rahimi, whose effort slipped through the hands of Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen despite getting a touch.
Wout Weghorst restored the Dutch lead with a successful third penalty, but Morocco responded immediately as Chemsdine Talbi calmly found the net to make it 2-2.
The momentum swung again when Quinten Timber fired his penalty wide, giving Morocco a golden opportunity. However, captain Achraf Hakimi also missed, his effort striking the post and bouncing away.
The Netherlands then had another chance to regain the advantage, but Crysencio Summerville’s penalty was brilliantly saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
With the scores still level, Ismael Saibari stepped up to take Morocco’s decisive fifth penalty and confidently found the net, sealing a memorable 3-2 shootout victory.
The win sends Morocco into the Round of 16, while the Netherlands, who entered the tournament among the favourites, once again suffered the heartbreak of an early World Cup exit.
