Morocco Edge Netherlands in Dramatic Penalty Shootout
Ismael Saibari scored the winning penalty after a crucial save by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, as Morocco defeated the Netherlands 3-2 in a shootout following a 1-1 draw. The victory sends Morocco into the Round of 16 to face Canada in Houston on Saturday.
The match, played at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, was the second game of the tournament to be decided by penalties. Paraguay had earlier beaten Germany in a shootout on the same day.
Penalty Shootout Drama Unfolds
After 120 minutes of play ended 1-1, the shootout began. In the second round, with Morocco trailing 1-0, goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen appeared to stop Soufiane Rahimi's attempt, but he failed to secure the ball and deflected it over the line with the back of his leg, leveling the score.
The shootout remained tied at 2-2 after four rounds. Then, Morocco's Yassine Bounou made a strong save, batting away Crysencio Summerville's attempt with his left hand. Saibari stepped up and sent his shot into the low left corner as Verbruggen dived the opposite way. The midfielder tore off his shirt and screamed with joy as teammates mobbed him.
Netherlands' Early Exit
The Netherlands had reached at least the Round of 16 in 11 previous World Cups, including a quarterfinal appearance in 2022 in Qatar. This year's expanded tournament features 32 teams in the knockout stage for the first time, and the Dutch exit at the earliest possible stage.
Morocco, meanwhile, continues its strong run after a breakthrough semifinal appearance in the 2022 World Cup. They now face Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday in Houston.
Gakpo Scores Emotional Goal
Cody Gakpo scored in the 72nd minute for the Netherlands, assisted by Summerville. After the goal, the Dutch bench ran onto the field to embrace the 27-year-old Gakpo, who broke down in tears. Gakpo and his partner, Noa van der Bij, had recently announced the loss of their unborn child.
Morocco equalized in the 91st minute through Issa Diop. Chemsdine Talbi sent a looping cross from about 28 yards out on the left side, finding Diop for a clean header that Verbruggen had no chance to stop.
Extra Time Fails to Separate Teams
Neither team created a strong scoring opportunity in 30 minutes of extra time. The match was the highest-ranked encounter in the Round of 32, with Morocco ranked sixth in the world and the Netherlands seventh, according to FIFA rankings.
