Morocco reached the World Cup last 16 after beating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw across 120 minutes, with Yassine Bounou again delivering under pressure in a tense knockout tie.
The Dutch finally broke through in the 72nd minute after long periods of frustration. Wout Weghorst drove into the box before losing his balance, but he still found a pass through two defenders. Cody Gakpo arrived at speed and fired past Bounou to put the Netherlands ahead.
The Liverpool forward cut an emotional figure after scoring. Gakpo recently suffered a personal loss after he and partner Noa van der Bij revealed they had lost their unborn child. His team mates gathered around him as he celebrated.
Morocco had already carried a threat. Achraf Hakimi struck the post earlier in the match and the Atlas Lions continued to attack down wide areas and through quick combinations around the Dutch penalty area.
The Netherlands looked set to progress until Morocco struck in stoppage time. Chemsdine Talbi delivered the ball into the area and Issa Diop rose to head beyond the goalkeeper in the 91st minute.
Neither side found a winner in extra time. The game slowed and both teams struggled to create clear openings as fatigue crept in.
The shootout then swung sharply toward Morocco. Teun Koopmeiners and Wout Weghorst converted for the Dutch, but Quinten Timber dragged his effort wide before Bounou produced a decisive save from Crysencio Summerville.
Soufiane Rahimi, Chemsdine Talbi and Ismael Saibari converted for Morocco. Saibari buried the winning kick into the bottom corner before tearing off his shirt as Morocco’s players and supporters erupted.
Morocco now move into the last 16 and will face Canada. The Netherlands head home after another knockout match ended in penalty pain.
