Morocco Defeat Netherlands in Thriller to Reach Round of 16
IIE DIGITAL DESK ; June 30, 2026 : The tense and nerve-wracking encounter, Ismail Saibari held his composure under immense pressure to score the decisive final penalty as Morocco defeated the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout to book their place in the Round of 16. The Round of 32 World Cup clash ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time, before Morocco clinched a 3-2 victory in the shootout.
The match saw both teams locked in a fierce battle throughout 90 minutes of regular play and extra time. The Netherlands took the lead in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo, putting Morocco under significant pressure. However, deep into stoppage time, in the first minute added after the 90th, Morocco found the equaliser through Isa Diop, sending the match into extra time.
Despite chances on both sides during extra time, neither team was able to break the deadlock, and the contest ultimately moved to a penalty shootout to decide the winner.
The shootout began with Koopmeiners scoring the opening penalty for the Netherlands, despite Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou diving in the right direction. Morocco’s first penalty was taken by Neil El Aynaoui, but he failed to convert, missing the target and handing early advantage to the Dutch side.
Momentum soon shifted as Justin Kluivert missed his attempt for the Netherlands. Sofiane Rahimi then scored for Morocco, despite the goalkeeper getting a touch on the ball, leveling the shootout at 1-1. Wout Weghorst restored the Netherlands’ advantage with a successful penalty, before Abde Ezzalzouli kept Morocco in contention by converting his spot-kick, making it 2-2.
The drama continued as Quinten Timber missed his penalty for the Netherlands. Morocco had a chance to take the lead, but Achraf Hakimi also failed to convert, sending his shot wide of the left post, keeping the score tied at 2-2.
The Netherlands then saw another opportunity slip away as Sam Lammers was denied by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who made a crucial save to give Morocco a chance to seal the match.
Stepping up under immense pressure, Ismail Saibari delivered the final penalty with confidence, finding the back of the net and securing a 3-2 shootout victory for Morocco. With that decisive strike, the World Cup semi-finalists from the previous edition advanced to the Round of 16 once again, continuing their impressive tournament run.
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