Netherlands vs Morocco, FIFA World Cup match result: Saibari shootout winner sends Morocco into last 16 as Netherlands crash to first WC exit | Football news
Ismael Saibari held his nerve in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to fire Morocco into the last 16 and condemn the Netherlands to their first. FIFA World Cup outing in recent memory, as the Atlas Lions prevailed 3-2 after a 1-1 draw in Monterrey on Monday night.With the shootout delicately poised at 2-2 after four rounds, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced a decisive moment, diving sharply to his left to palm away Crysencio Summerville’s effort. That save swung the momentum firmly Morocco’s way, and Saibari stepped up to take the decisive spot kick, curling a composed low finish into the bottom left corner as Bart Verbruggen dived the wrong way. The Netherlands looked on course to go ahead after Cody Gakpo struck in the 72nd minute, finishing off a timely assist from Summerville. The goal sparked emotional celebrations as the Dutch bench rushed the pitch, with Gakpo breaking down in tears in personal grief after recently revealing the loss of his newborn son.However, Morocco refused to be denied. In stoppage time, Issa Diop rose to head home Chemsdine Talbi’s cross in the 91st minute, forcing extra time at the Estadio BBVA.Neither side managed a clear scoring opportunity in the extra 30 minutes, setting up a tense shootout in a contest between two of the highest-ranked teams in the round – sixth-ranked Morocco in the world and seventh-ranked Netherlands.
The Moroccan team begins to celebrate after winning the match of the 32nd of the World Cup on penalties. (AP Photo)
The result ends the Netherlands’ run of reaching at least the Round of 16 in eight previous World Cups, including a quarter-final appearance four years ago, while Morocco – who reached the semi-finals in the previous edition – continue their impressive rise on the global stage.It was also the second penalty shootout of the tournament, following Paraguay’s win over Germany earlier in the day.
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