Morocco beats Netherlands in tiebreaker to reach last 16

Morocco advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup after beating the Netherlands on a thrilling penalty shootout in Monterrey on Monday after extra time ended in a 1-1 draw.

Morocco goalkeeper Yacine Bounou made a crucial save from the Netherlands’ Crescencio Somerville’s fourth penalty, before striker Ismail Siberi converted the winning spot-kick to secure a 3-2 victory in the shootout.

With this win, Morocco will face Canada in the last 16 match in Houston next Saturday.

Just as the Dutch were on the verge of victory, Issa Diop’s dramatic equalizer in the first minute of injury time sent this exciting match into extra time.

Earlier, the Netherlands had taken the lead midway through the second half through a goal by Cody Gakpo, just days after Gakpo’s partner confirmed the death of their unborn child.

After scoring, the Liverpool forward collapsed on the pitch and became emotional. His teammates surrounded him and hugged him for a long time.

However, Morocco was able to take the match to extra time in the final minutes of the match when an unmarked Diop headed in a cross from substitute Shemsedin Talbi.

Morocco created the better chances in a foul-filled and exciting match, with Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio having to deal with a series of tackles from both teams.

The Atlas Lions (Morocco) almost took the lead in the 20th minute of the match when Achraf Hakimi’s corner was headed by Neil Al-Ainouir and expertly saved by Netherlands goalkeeper Bert Verbruggen.

Shortly after, Verbruggen was tested again; this time he leapt over the bar to deflect a powerful shot from Hakimi.

The aggressive nature of the match became more evident midway through the first half, when Siberi escaped a card after elbowing Jan Paul van Heck in the face.

The Dutch kept control of the ball but were unable to convert it into scoring opportunities.

They had their best chance in the 44th minute, when Tottenham’s Mickey van de Ven took a powerful shot from the edge of the box, which was saved for a wild corner.

Van Heck was in the limelight from the start of the match, remaining on the field despite a head injury in a collision in the penalty area and bringing down Al-Ainawy in a tough tackle just before half-time.

Just before the end of the first half, the Sibery Dutchman failed to connect on a cross that went past the goalpost.

The tension continued in the second half, with the game moving at an even pace at both ends. However, after a ‘hydration break’, Dutch coach Ronald Koeman brought on striker Vout Veghorst as part of a series of changes, and the game seemed to turn in the Netherlands’ favour.

As soon as he entered the field, Veghorst flicked a long ball towards Somerville. Gakpo scored with a great bodywork from Somerville’s cross.

The Netherlands were on course for victory, led by Gakpo’s Liverpool teammate Virgil van Dijk, but Diop’s last-minute header sent the match into extra time.

Morocco almost scored in the 96th minute when Soufian Rahimi was brought into a one-on-one position, but an incredible save from Verbruggen saved the Dutch’s chances.

The Netherlands took the match to a tiebreaker, but it was not to be. Morocco’s first shot in the tiebreaker was hit by Al-Ainoui, but the North African nation pulled off a stunning comeback to snatch victory.