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

Netherlands and Morocco ended 1-1 after extra time before Morocco won 13-12 on penalties in the World Cup Round of 16. The match in Monterrey saw Cody Gakpo score for the Netherlands in the 72nd minute, only for Issa Diop to equalise in the 91st, forcing penalties. Cody Gakpo’s goal came after a brilliant assist from Jeremie Frimpong, lifting the spirits of a Dutch side still reeling from the loss of his stillborn son days earlier. The Liverpool midfielder collapsed in celebration before being replaced late in extra time due to cramp, his emotional contribution falling short of securing a win. Issa Diop’s equaliser in the 91st minute revived Morocco, who had struggled for rhythm in the first half but grew into the game. The defender’s first international goal, a header from a Chemsdine Talbi cross, sent the match into extra time and kept Morocco’s hopes alive. Morocco dominated possession in both halves, finishing with 85% in the first period of extra time. Their relentless pressure paid off when Talbi’s cross found Diop, whose header restored parity. The Atlas Lions, Africa Cup winners, had earlier seen Hakimi hit the post and Saibari waste a gilt-edged chance before the break. The penalty shoot-out was a rollercoaster. Teun Koopmeiners opened the scoring for the Netherlands, but Neil El Aynaoui missed for Morocco. Justin Kluivert then struck the post, and Quinten Timber and Jeremie Frimpong both failed to convert, allowing Morocco to take a 3-2 lead through Saibari’s cool finish.

Morocco survive Dutch torment to reach Round of 16 in Monterrey

Achraf Hakimi, who had a penalty saved by Bart Verbruggen earlier in the shoot-out, saw his effort hit the woodwork as the sides remained level at 2-2 after four penalties each. The drama continued until Ismael Saibari slotted home the decisive spot-kick, sending Morocco through to face Canada in the quarter-finals. Ronald Koeman’s side, winless in World Cup matches over 90 minutes since 2006, exited the tournament at the Round of 16 stage for the second consecutive edition. Their penalty curse, dating back to defeats in 2014 and 2022, struck again in Mexico. Morocco, semi-finalists four years ago, advance as one of the standout performers of the tournament so far. Their resilience in the heat of Monterrey and composure in the shoot-out contrasted with Oranje’s historic frailty from 12 yards.

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

The match was played in stifling heat, with temperatures in the Steel Giant stadium described as suffocating. Both teams struggled with the conditions, but Morocco adapted better, controlling the tempo and creating more clear chances. Wout Weghorst scored the Netherlands’ second penalty to put them ahead 2-1, but Morocco quickly restored parity. The shoot-out descended into farce as multiple players missed, including Timber, Frimpong, and Hakimi, whose effort struck the post. With the Netherlands eliminated, attention turns to their next campaign. Morocco, meanwhile, prepare to face Canada in the quarter-finals, having already surpassed expectations in a tightly contested Round of 16 tie.