Morocco have written a new chapter in African football history after defeating the Netherlands on penalties to become the first African side to reach the Round of 16 in the expanded 48-team tournament.
The North Africans controlled large phases of the match, creating the clearer chances and forcing repeated saves from Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Morocco also came close on several occasions, with Achraf Hakimi striking the crossbar in a dominant first half display.
Despite Morocco’s superiority, it was the Netherlands who struck first. In the 72nd minute, Cody Gakpo punished a quick counterattack, finishing clinically to give the Dutch a surprise lead against the run of play.
Morocco refused to back down and pushed deep into stoppage time, eventually finding a dramatic equaliser. Issa Diop rose highest to head home from a Chemsdine Talbi delivery, sending the match into extra time.
The additional 30 minutes saw more Moroccan pressure, but Verbruggen stood firm once again, producing a crucial save to deny substitute Soufiane Rahimi and force the tie into a penalty shootout.
From the spot, Teun Koopmeiners converted the Netherlands’ opening penalty, but the Dutch faltered thereafter. Misses from Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville shifted the advantage firmly in Morocco’s favour. Although Achraf Hakimi was unable to convert his attempt, Ismail Saibari kept his composure to score the decisive kick and seal a 3-2 shootout victory.
The result sends Morocco through to the Round of 16, marking a historic milestone as the first African team to progress at this stage of the competition.
