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Morocco came from the brink of elimination to stun the Netherlands on penalties after Issa Diop’s dramatic stoppage-time equaliser, booking a Round of 16 clash with Canada.
Saibari came in clutch with a stone-cold penalty to seal the dramatic win for Morocco (AP)
For 90 minutes, the Netherlands could almost see the finish line.
Then Morocco reminded the footballing world why this team simply refuses to die.
A dramatic stoppage-time equaliser turned despair into hope before the Atlas Lions held their nerve in a chaotic penalty shootout, stunning the Dutch 3-2 on spot-kicks after a pulsating 1-1 draw to book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.
For long spells, the Atlas Lions looked the more dangerous side. They controlled possession, created the clearer chances and repeatedly forced Bart Verbruggen into action, only to find themselves trailing with just under 20 minutes to play.
Diop Rescues Morocco At The Death
After a tense, physical first half ended goalless, Morocco came flying out after the break. Achraf Hakimi rattled the crossbar before Micky van de Ven produced a stunning last-ditch tackle to deny the PSG full-back a certain opener.
The Netherlands weathered the storm and struck against the run of play in the 72nd minute. Crysencio Summerville burst down the flank before cutting the ball back for Cody Gakpo, who made no mistake to hand Ronald Koeman’s side a priceless lead.
It looked enough.
But Morocco refused to surrender.
Deep into stoppage time, Abdelhamid Talbi whipped in a teasing cross and Issa Diop powered home a towering header to silence the Dutch fans and force another 30 minutes.
Bono And Saibari Seal Famous Victory
Extra time became a battle of endurance rather than quality, with fatigue creeping into both sides. Verbruggen kept the Netherlands alive with a magnificent point-blank save to deny Soufiane Rahimi, while Cody Gakpo was forced off with cramp before Justin Kluivert replaced him.
Neither side could find a decisive breakthrough, sending the contest to penalties.
The shootout delivered drama from start to finish.
Teun Koopmeiners converted the opening spot-kick before Neil El Aynaoui and Kluivert both struck the woodwork. Rahimi’s penalty somehow found the net despite Verbruggen getting a strong hand to it, while Wout Weghorst restored the Dutch advantage. Talbi answered under pressure before Jurrien Timber fired wide, handing Morocco the initiative.
Hakimi had the chance to win it but struck the post. However, goalkeeper Bono stepped up moments later with a superb one-handed save to deny Summerville, leaving Ismael Saibari with the opportunity to settle it.
The PSV midfielder held his nerve, calmly dispatching the winning penalty to send Morocco into the Round of 16.
Morocco will now face Canada for a place in the quarter-finals, while the Netherlands are left to rue a match that slipped away in the cruellest possible fashion after being moments away from victory.
About the Author
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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