Morocco Eliminates Netherlands in World Cup Penalty Shootout

GUADALUPE, Mexico (AP) — Ismael Saibari secured a victory for Morocco in a penalty shootout, eliminating the Netherlands from the World Cup with a 3-2 win following a 1-1 draw on Monday night.

With the shootout even at 2-2 after four rounds, Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a crucial save against Crysencio Summerville, blocking the attempt with his left hand. Saibari then scored the winner, sending his shot into the low left corner as Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen moved in the opposite direction. Overcome with emotion, Saibari celebrated by tearing off his shirt and was quickly surrounded by jubilant teammates.

Earlier in the shootout, with Morocco trailing 1-0, a crucial moment occurred. Verbruggen appeared to stop Soufiane Rahimi’s attempt, but the ball slipped over the line after contacting the back of his leg.

We know when we do everything on the pitch, it’s God that gives something back to us as well, stated Morocco’s head coach Mohamed Ouahbi. We give all the energy that we have on the field. Rahimi’s goal could have not been a goal, but it went in thankfully.

The Netherlands, known for making it to at least the Round of 16 in 11 previous World Cups, faced an early exit this time. In the expanded tournament, 32 teams reached the knockout stage for the first time. Morocco’s victory propels them to the Round of 16, where they will face co-host Canada on Saturday in Houston. Morocco defeated Canada 2-1 during the group stage of the 2022 World Cup.

Throughout the game, Morocco maintained pressure for significant portions, while the Netherlands relied on counterattacks. Ouahbi remarked, I think Morocco has gained everybody’s respect now, acknowledging the Dutch team’s strategy as a form of respect.

The Netherlands took the lead in the 72nd minute with a goal from Cody Gakpo, assisted by Summerville. The Dutch bench celebrated with Gakpo, who was emotional due to a personal tragedy. Recently, Gakpo and his partner, Noa van der Bij, experienced the loss of their unborn child.

Morocco’s Issa Diop equalized in the 91st minute. Chemsdine Talbi delivered a high cross from 28 yards on the left side. Diop connected with a header, leaving Verbruggen helpless.

During the 30 minutes of extra time, neither team had a significant scoring opportunity at Estadio BBVA. In the latter half, Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman used a substitution to bring on Justin Kluivert, who was among three Dutch players to miss in the shootout. The last substitution I made was to bring in Justin (Kluivert) because he’s one of the best at penalty shootouts, Koeman explained. But he missed his penalty, and that’s even more bitter for him and for us.

This marked the third consecutive World Cup where the Netherlands exited due to a penalty shootout. Earlier in the tournament, another match concluded with penalties, as Paraguay overcame Germany. The match between Morocco and the Netherlands featured teams with the highest combined ranking in the Round of 32, with Morocco ranked sixth and the Netherlands seventh globally.

We need to be telling ourselves that no one can stop us, Ouahbi asserted. Nobody is unbeatable. If we get things wrong, we’ll go home.