Morocco’s remarkable World Cup run continued in Monterrey as the Atlas Lions edged a dramatic penalty shootout against the Netherlands to reach the Round of 16.
Cody Gakpo gave the Dutch the breakthrough, scoring an emotionally charged goal that briefly looked set to send Ronald Koeman‘s side through.
But Morocco hit back almost immediately as Issa Diop rose to head home from a Chemsdine Talbi cross deep into stoppage time, forcing extra-time. It was the first international goal of Diop’s career.
Man City 2026 World Cup Watch: How the Blues fared in the group-stage
The additional thirty minutes proved largely cagey, though Soufiane Rahimi nearly won it for Morocco only for Bart Verbruggen to deny him at point-blank range. With neither side able to find a winner, the tie went to penalties.
Koopmeiners converted to give the Dutch the perfect start from the spot, but misses from Kluivert and Timber, compounded by a save from Yassine Bounou against Summerville, opened the door for Ismael Saibari.
The Moroccan midfielder kept his composure, rolling home a precise low penalty to confirm his side’s progress and trigger wild celebrations among the Morocco bench and supporters.
The contest finished 1-1 after extra-time, with Morocco prevailing 3-2 from the spot. The result sends Morocco through to a Round of 16 meeting with co-hosts Canada in Houston, while the Netherlands’ long wait for a first World Cup title continues.
For Morocco, it marks another chapter in a tournament run that has already captured global attention, with their resilience and late-game composure once again proving decisive on the biggest stage.
Nathan Ake match statistics vs Morocco
Minutes Played – 71
Def. contributions – 3
Tackles (Won) – 0 (0)
Interceptions – 2
Clearances – 1
Blocked shots – 0
Ground Duels (Won) – 0 (0)
Dribbled Past – 0
Touches – 40
Dribbles (Successful)- 0 (0)
Possession Lost – 4
Total Carrying Distance – 137.5 m
Carries – 17
Total Progression – 76.9 m
Accurate passes – 32/ 36 (89%)
Passes in Opposition Half (Accurate) – 12/16 (75%)
Passes in Own Half (Accurate) – 20/20 (100%)
18 Manchester City stars confirmed for FIFA World Cup Round of 32
Tijjani Reijnders match statistics vs Morocco
Reijnders was an unused substitute.
Data courtesy of Sofascore.
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
