Morocco knock Netherlands out in penalty shootout to reach World Cup last 16

Morocco booked their place in the Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time on Monday night.

Ismael Saibari converted the decisive spot-kick to seal victory for Morocco and send last year's semifinalists into the next round. The result also marked an early exit for Ronald Koeman's Netherlands side, their earliest departure from a World Cup.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou played a crucial role in the shootout. With the score level at 2-2 after four rounds, he denied Crysencio Summerville with a strong save before Saibari calmly placed his effort into the bottom corner.

Gakpo gives Dutch the lead

The Netherlands broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo. The forward found the net after receiving an assist from Summerville.

After scoring, Dutch players and staff ran onto the field to celebrate with Gakpo, who was visibly emotional. Gakpo and his partner, Noa van der Bij, had recently announced the loss of their unborn child.

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The goal appeared to put the Netherlands in control, but Morocco continued to push forward in search of an equaliser.

Late goal forces extra time

Morocco finally found their breakthrough in stoppage time. Issa Diop headed home a cross from Chemsdine Talbi in the 91st minute to level the score and force extra time.

The African side nearly completed the comeback in the 97th minute when Soufiane Rahimi beat his marker and found himself one-on-one with Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. However, Verbruggen produced a crucial save to keep his side in the contest.

Shootout settles evenly matched contest

Neither side managed to create many clear chances during the 30 minutes of extra time at Estadio BBVA.

The match eventually went to penalties, where Morocco kept their composure to progress. It became the second match of the tournament to be decided by a shootout after Paraguay's victory over Germany earlier in the day.

Morocco entered the contest ranked sixth in the world, while the Netherlands were seventh, making it one of the most evenly matched ties of the Round of 32.

FAQs:

How did Morocco defeat the Netherlands?

Morocco won the match in a penalty shootout after the game ended 1-1.

Who scored the winning penalty for Morocco?

Ismael Saibari converted the decisive spot-kick to send Morocco into the last 16.