**Morocco’s remarkable World Cup run continued in Monterrey as the Atlas Lions edged a dramatic penalty shootout against the Netherlands to reach the Round of 16.**
**Cody Gakpo** gave the Dutch the breakthrough, scoring an emotionally charged goal that briefly looked set to send **Ronald Koeman**‘s side through.
But **Morocco** hit back almost immediately as **Issa Diop** rose to head home from a **Chemsdine Talbi** cross deep into stoppage time, forcing extra-time. It was the first international goal of Diop’s career.
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The additional thirty minutes proved largely cagey, though **Soufiane Rahimi** nearly won it for Morocco only for **Bart Verbruggen** to deny him at point-blank range. With neither side able to find a winner, the tie went to penalties.
**Koopmeiners** converted to give the Dutch the perfect start from the spot, but misses from **Kluivert** and **Timber**, compounded by a save from **Yassine Bounou** against **Summerville**, opened the door for **Ismael Saibari**.
The Moroccan midfielder kept his composure, rolling home a precise low penalty to confirm his side’s progress and trigger wild celebrations among the Morocco bench and supporters.
The contest finished 1-1 after extra-time, with Morocco prevailing 3-2 from the spot. The result sends Morocco through to a Round of 16 meeting with co-hosts **Canada** in Houston, while the Netherlands’ long wait for a first World Cup title continues.
For Morocco, it marks another chapter in a tournament run that has already captured global attention, with their resilience and late-game composure once again proving decisive on the biggest stage.
Minutes Played – 71
Def. contributions – 3
Tackles (Won) – 0 (0)
Interceptions – 2
Clearances – 1
Blocked shots – 0
Ground Duels (Won) – 0 (0)
Dribbled Past – 0
Touches – 40
Dribbles (Successful)- 0 (0)
Possession Lost – 4
Total Carrying Distance – 137.5 m
Carries – 17
Total Progression – 76.9 m
Accurate passes – 32/ 36 (89%)
Passes in Opposition Half (Accurate) – 12/16 (75%)
Passes in Own Half (Accurate) – 20/20 (100%)
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Reijnders was an unused substitute.
**Data courtesy of Sofascore.**