Morocco secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands, advancing to the World Cup round of 16.
MONTERREY
Morocco is heading to the World Cup round of 16 after an incredible comeback victory against the Netherlands. The tense match, held at Monterrey Stadium, ended in a dramatic penalty shootout that secured Morocco’s spot in the next stage of the tournament.
The Netherlands initially took the lead through Cody Gakpo’s strike in the 72nd minute. However, the African side refused to give up. Their persistence paid off in the 91st minute when Issa Diop scored a crucial equalizer, forcing the game into extra time. Following a scoreless extra half-hour, the match moved to penalties. Despite trailing early, Morocco kept their cool as the Dutch missed three attempts, allowing Ismael Saibari to seal the win.
Manager Mohamed Ouahbi credited the victory to his team’s deep self-belief and tactical identity. He noted that the squad’s historic performance in the 2022 World Cup fundamentally changed their mentality, helping players and fans alike realize their true potential.
Looking ahead, Morocco will face co-host Canada in Houston on July 4. While fans are excited, Ouahbi remains grounded. He warned that the match against Canada will be a difficult challenge and not the “walk in the park” some might expect. He emphasized that his team must stay focused and play their best football to continue their journey.
Additionally, Ouahbi thanked the local Mexican fans for their passionate support, promising that Morocco will provide the same hospitality when they co-host the 2030 World Cup.