MOROCCO BEAT NETHERLANDS ON PENALTIES TO REACH LAST 16

Morocco advanced to the World Cup last 16 after defeating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout that extended the match to nearly three hours. Ismael Saibari scored the winning penalty after both teams had missed twice during the shootout. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou secured Morocco's progression by saving a shot from Crysencio Summerville, repeating the goalkeeping performance that contributed to Morocco's victory against Spain at Qatar 2022. Morocco will face Canada in the next round.

The match reached extra time after centre-back Issa Diop headed Morocco into the lead. The Netherlands equalised through Cody Gakpo, who scored in the 72nd minute but had recently announced the loss of his unborn son with his partner. Morocco's performance was characterised as deserving of victory against a Netherlands side playing defensively. Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman had selected three centre-backs and omitted midfielder Tijjani Reijnders in an attempt to limit attacking space for Morocco's direct play.

The match took place in a stadium attended by local supporters wearing Mexican colours alongside Dutch and Moroccan supporters. The setting recalled 2014, when Mexico's national team lost to the Netherlands in the last 16 of the World Cup in a match decided by a late incident involving Arjen Robben.