Morocco booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a thrilling 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 clash at Monterrey Stadium.
Ismael Saibari scored the decisive spot-kick for Morocco after a tense shootout in which both teams struggled to keep their composure from 12 yards.
The Netherlands had looked on course for victory after Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 72nd minute. The Liverpool forward finished off a sharp counter-attacking move, calmly converting after being picked out by Crysencio Summerville.
Gakpo was visibly emotional after the goal and broke down during the celebration. His strike came just days after he and his partner suffered the heartbreaking loss of their unborn son during pregnancy.
Morocco, however, refused to go down without a fight. The Atlas Lions continued to press forward and had already come close earlier in the second half when Achraf Hakimi’s powerful effort crashed against the crossbar.
Their persistence finally paid off deep into stoppage time as defender Issa Diop rose highest to head home in the first minute of added time, stunning the Dutch and forcing extra time.
Neither side managed to find a winner in the additional 30 minutes, sending the match to penalties.
Morocco held their nerve when it mattered most, with Saibari converting the winning penalty to complete a memorable comeback and knock out the three-time World Cup runners-up.
The Atlas Lions will now face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16 in Houston on Saturday as they look to extend their impressive run in the tournament.
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