Saibari Heroics Send Morocco Through After Penalty Thriller

The Netherlands’ World Cup dream ended in the cruelest fashion as they crashed out 3-2 on penalties to Morocco after a tense 1-1 draw in the Round of 32. Cody Gakpo thought he’d won it late only for Ilyes Diop to break Dutch hearts with a 90th-minute equaliser, before Morocco prevailed in a nail-biting shootout.

Netherlands Struggle to Impose Themselves

Ronald Koeman’s side knew they’d be in for a battle against a Morocco team that had topped their group. The Atlas Lions dominated possession in the first half, enjoying 70% of the ball and restricting Netherlands to just one blocked shot. Frenkie de Jong tried to pull the strings but Morocco’s press and organisation frustrated the Dutch, who looked a shadow of the free-flowing team that impressed in the group stage.

Morocco Intensity Pays Off

The North Africans came out firing after the break and Ismail Saibari forced a smart stop from Bart Verbruggen. The pressure told when Ilyes Diop was booked for a cynical foul on Cody Gakpo, but Morocco refused to let up. Their tireless midfield trio of Ounahi, El Khannouss and Bouaddi kept turning the screw as Netherlands struggled to wrestle back control.

Gakpo Strikes Late

Against the run of play, Netherlands took the lead in the 72nd minute. Crysencio Summerville skipped past his man and pulled back for Gakpo to slot home first-time. The PSV forward wheeled away in delight, believing he’d booked Netherlands’ place in the last 16. But Morocco refused to lie down.

Diop Dashes Dutch Dreams

With time running out, Morocco piled forward in desperation. In the 90th minute, Achraf Hakimi’s cross found Diop at the back post and the defender made amends for his earlier booking by heading past Verbruggen. The Moroccan fans erupted as their side somehow forced extra time.

Penalty Drama Sees Morocco Through

Neither side could find a winner in extra time despite fresh legs from the benches. In the shootout, Teun Koopmeiners put Netherlands ahead but Nabil El Aynaoui smacked the post. Both sides then missed their next two before Hakimi’s effort was saved. That left it to Saibari to step up and hammer home the decisive penalty, sparking wild celebrations from the Moroccan players and fans. Netherlands were crestfallen but Morocco march on to the last 16, their World Cup dream very much alive.

Key Moments

72′ ⚽ Netherlands — C. Gakpo (assist: C. Summerville)

90′ ⚽ Morocco — I. Diop (assist: C. Talbi)

120+1′ ⚽ Netherlands — T. Koopmeiners

120+2′ ⚽ Morocco — S. Rahimi

120+3′ ⚽ Netherlands — W. Weghorst

120+3′ ⚽ Morocco — C. Talbi

120+5′ ⚽ Morocco — I. Saibari