The 2026 FIFA World Cup was troubled today with the enormous surprise that Morocco secured their spot in the Round of 16 following coming out on top of the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties.
After 120 minutes, the high-stakes Blue Parade were down 1-1 against one of Europe’s biggest ever football giants in the action free Round of 32 finale at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, but had to find the nerve to send one away in a dramatic shootout.
The 17-13 loss was their first-ever end to a World Cup tournament, where they have always advanced to the Round of 16 in their preceding 11 World Cup games.
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The Dutch looked like a force to be reckoned with but Cody Gakpo conjured up something from nothing in the 72nd minute, poking the ball past a very potent Villa defence to break the deadlock.
Gakpo’s perfect shot was a heartfelt shot for the rookie, who came back into action just after losing his unborn son to tragedy from his recent partner. As the forward tried to keep his tears back, his team mates ran up to join in the celebration.
Morocco took things dramatically as Ronald Koeman’s side was on the brink of going forward. The hardy Issa Diop lofted the ball high to head the Chemsdine Talbi effort into the first half box in the time-expanding the final moments of the game, dampening the roar of the many Dutch supporters inside.
It was 30 minutes of extra time that failed to separate two unbeaten sides, as Morocco used the better opportunities but failed to come up with hitters on the penalties.
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Back-to-back failures from both teams were settled by a hero who was once again in the right place when the game of the World Cup came to Morocco’s rocket power as keeper Yassine Bounou saved Crysencio Summerville’s penalty. Midfielder Ismael Saibari caused no issue in the area when he simply took down the score to enlist the assistance of the coast line to carve out an unforgettable triumph and trigger outlandish applause from Moroccan fans.
“After the defeat, I commend my players’ level of concentration and faith as they showed, the Atlas Lions have proved the respect of the football world by what they have done,” Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi asserted regarding the trophy win on Sunday.
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His team’s possession, shots and expected goals are leading within the tournament, he believes Morocco has the capacity to be up against any of the other teams still in the tourney.
The win is the latest in a string of impressive performances as Morocco has gone into its World Cup semi-final game in 2022.
The Atlas Lions are now next on the agenda at the World Cup after beating South Africa 1-0 to draw the first-ever World Cup knockout match against the African nation. It will be one of the tournament’s most interesting affairs as the Round of 16 looms.
