Morocco knocked out the Netherlands to join the Round of 16 at the World Cup.
FC Bayern-bound Ismael Saibari scored the last kick in Morocco’s penalty shootout victory against the Netherlands. The current PSV winger saw his run of scoring streak ended, but he still had the last laugh with a composed finish in what was rather a bizarre penalty shootout. Stuttgart’s winger Bilal El Khannouss played 87 minutes for the Atlas Lions.
Morocco had the better chances in the game, although the three-time finalists were so close to winning it in normal time. After a difficult week in his personal life, Cody Gakpo put Ronald Koeman’s side ahead in the 72nd minute. The Liverpool winger has a very impressive tally of six goals in nine World Cup appearances.
Morocco still pushed to force extra-time, and they succeeded with Issa Diop’s first international goal in the first minute of injury-time. The center-back beat Bart Verbruggen with a well-placed header after an excellent performance by the Brighton shot-stopper, which later included a stunning save to deny substitute Soufiane Rahimi in extra-time.
Only half of the first eight penalties found their targets before Bono made an unorthodox save from Crysencio Summerville, who was one of the best players for Netherlands in the tournament. Saibari ended the tie with one of the best penalties of the day to send Morocco through to the Round of 16.
This is the first time Oranje knocked out in the first knockout stage game of the World Cup since their defeat to Portugal in the “Battle of Nürnberg” two decades ago. The 2022 semi-finalists will face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16.
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