Morocco survive Dutch torment to reach Round of 16 in Monterrey

Morocco completed a dramatic Round of 32 comeback against the Netherlands in Monterrey on Monday, advancing to the Round of 16 after a penalty shoot-out. The Atlas Lions recovered from a late Gakpo strike to force extra time and ultimately prevail in the shoot-out. Morocco’s equaliser came in the 90th minute when Fulham defender Issa Diop headed in a late cross to cancel out Cody Gakpo’s second-half goal. Gakpo’s strike had initially looked decisive after he capitalised on a defensive error, but Diop’s intervention sent the tie to extra time. The shoot-out began with Teun Koopmeiners converting for the Netherlands, but Morocco’s first penalty was saved when Neil El Aynaoui struck the crossbar. Justin Kluivert then saw his effort hit the outside of the post, before Soufiane Rahimi levelled the shoot-out with a partially blocked shot that squirted under Bart Verbruggen.

From heartbreak to hope: Gakpo’s goal not enough as Oranje fall to Morocco

Wout Weghorst restored the Dutch lead with a powerful finish, only for Chelmsdine Talbi to equalise with a composed strike. Quinten Timber then missed for the Netherlands, giving Morocco the advantage, before Achraf Hakimi hit the post.

Morocco survives the heat, the pain, and the penalties: the Netherlands crashes out after a dramatic World Cup thriller.

Crysencio Summerville’s penalty was saved by Yassine Bounou, and Ismael Saibari converted the decisive spot-kick to send Morocco through. Bounou made a crucial save to deny Summerville, keeping Morocco’s hopes alive in the shoot-out. Morocco will face Canada in Houston on July 4 in the Round of 16, a tie that promises a high-stakes North American clash. The Atlas Lions’ resilience under pressure secured their place in the next stage after a nervy encounter in Monterrey.