Morocco are through to the round of 16 of the World Cup, beating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout in Monterrey after the teams could not be separated over 120 minutes, France 24 reported — another giant felled in a round that has belonged to the underdogs.
Late drama, then the lottery
The Netherlands looked to be heading through after Cody Gakpo finished off a move in the second half to put Ronald Koeman's side in front. But Morocco refused to fold, and Issa Diop rose to head home a dramatic equalizer in the 91st minute, dragging the tie to extra time and, when that settled nothing, to penalties, ESPN reported.
Bounou the hero again
In the shootout, Morocco turned to a familiar source of inspiration. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou — a penalty specialist whose heroics underpinned the team's run three years ago — saved Crysencio Summerville's effort, and Ismael Saibari held his nerve to convert the decisive kick and spark Moroccan celebrations. For the Dutch, beaten finalists and semi-finalists of past tournaments, it was a chastening exit at the round-of-32 stage.
A run that keeps going
For Morocco, the victory is the latest chapter in a story that has reshaped expectations of what an African side can do at a World Cup. In 2022 they became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals, and their blend of organization, defensive steel and game-changing individuals has again carried them past more storied opponents. They now advance to the last 16, where they will meet Canada in Houston, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. On current evidence, few will fancy facing them.
