Morocco Beat Netherlands On Penalties To Reach World Cup Last 16
Morocco will now face Canada in the Round of 16 as they continue their bid for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Morocco booked on Tuesday their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in a game that played into extra time.
The Atlas Lions came from behind after Cody Gakpo had given the Dutch the lead before Issa Diop struck a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to send the match into extra time.
The Netherlands made the brighter start and controlled possession for much of the opening half, but Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced a series of important saves to deny Crysencio Summerville and keep the scores level.
Morocco gradually grew into the contest and created chances of their own, with Bart Verbruggen called into action to keep out efforts from Neil El Aynaoui and captain Achraf Hakimi as the teams went into the interval goalless.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 72nd minute when Cody Gakpo finished off a swift Dutch counterattack, giving Ronald Koeman’s side a 1-0 advantage. Morocco refused to give up and continued to push forward in search of an equaliser.
Their persistence paid off when substitute Chemsdine Talbi picked out Issa Diop, who fired home in the 90+1st minute to level the match at 1-1 and silence the Dutch supporters.
Neither side could find a winner during the additional 30 minutes despite Morocco enjoying more possession and creating the better opportunities.
Verbruggen made another outstanding save to deny Soufiane Rahimi, while Bounou remained composed whenever the Netherlands threatened. The tie was eventually decided in a penalty shootout.
Teun Koopmeiners and Wout Weghorst converted for the Netherlands, but Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all missed their spot-kicks.
Morocco converted three of their penalties through Soufiane Rahimi, Chemsdine Talbi and Ismael Saibari. And although Achraf Hakimi and Neil El Aynaoui failed from the spot, the Atlas Lions had done enough to secure a memorable victory.
Morocco will now face Canada in the Round of 16 as they continue their bid for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
