Morocco kept Africa’s impressive FIFA World Cup campaign rolling after eliminating European heavyweights the Netherlands on penalties in a gripping Round of 32 clash.
The Atlas Lions battled to a 1-1 draw after extra time before holding their nerve to win 3-2 in the shootout. The victory sends Walid Regragui’s side into the last 16, where they will face Canada for a place in the quarter-finals.
MOROCCO KEEP THEIR COOL IN FIFA WORLD CUP KNOCKOUT
Morocco enjoyed the better of the contest for long spells, dominating possession and asking plenty of questions of the Netherlands’ defence. Achraf Hakimi came closest to opening the scoring early in the second half when his fierce effort crashed against the crossbar.
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Despite Morocco’s dominance, it was the Dutch who struck first in the 72nd minute. Wout Weghorst flicked the ball into the path of Crysencio Summerville, who squared for Cody Gakpo to fire into the bottom corner.
Just when it looked like Morocco’s FIFA World Cup dream was slipping away, they found a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time. Chemsdine Talbi whipped in a dangerous cross and Issa Diop powered home a towering header in the 91st minute to send the match into extra time.
Neither side could find a winner over the next 30 minutes, although substitute Soufiane Rahimi went agonisingly close before Bart Verbruggen produced an outstanding save to keep the Netherlands alive.
YASSINE BOUNOU DELIVERS AGAIN
The match was eventually settled from the penalty spot, where Morocco once again found their hero in Yassine Bounou.
The experienced goalkeeper produced another shootout masterclass, saving Crysencio Summerville’s penalty, while Quinten Timber and Justin Kluivert also failed to convert as Morocco took control.
With the pressure on, Ismael Saibari confidently buried the winning penalty to spark wild celebrations among the Moroccan players and supporters.
The result also saw Morocco become the first African nation to defeat the Netherlands at a FIFA World Cup, adding another memorable chapter to the Atlas Lions’ impressive tournament record.
Morocco’s victory also continues an outstanding tournament for African football, with nine of the continent’s ten representatives reaching the knockout stages.
The Atlas Lions will now turn their attention to a Round of 16 showdown against Canada in Houston on July 4, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake as they continue their bid to build on the historic semi-final run they achieved at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
