Morocco advanced to the World Cup round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in Guadalupe, Mexico, according to ESPN. The decisive spot kick was converted by Ismael Saibari as both teams missed and saw several saves during the shootout.
The match saw Cody Gakpo open the scoring in the 72nd minute. A Netherlands goal-kick found substitute Wout Weghorst in midfield; his flick headed on to Crysencio Summerville, who drew the last defender and slipped a pass to Gakpo, who finished on his left, according to ESPN.
Late drama sent the game to extra time when Issa Diop headed a 90th-minute cross into the corner to level the score at 1-1, forcing the contest beyond 90 minutes, ESPN reported. Extra time produced further moments but no additional goals.
Morocco had looked dangerous throughout. A through ball created a clear run for Achraf Hakimi after the break, but he struck the crossbar, and in the 97th minute Soufiane Rahimi was denied one-on-one by Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, a stop ESPN said kept the sides level before penalties.
The victory sets up a round-of-16 meeting for Morocco against co-hosts Canada. The match at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe drew an announced attendance of 51,243 and was officiated by referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio, according to ESPN. The Netherlands exit prompted an emotional response in their camp, described by teammate Marten de Roon as a “funeral atmosphere” in the dressing room, ESPN added.
