Morocco survived a tense penalty shootout to secure a place in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw after extra time in Monterrey.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero for the Atlas Lions, saving the Netherlands’ fourth penalty from Crysencio Summerville before Ismael Saibari calmly converted the decisive spot-kick to complete Morocco’s victory.
The win sets up a last-16 meeting between Morocco and Canada in Houston on Saturday, keeping the North African side’s World Cup campaign alive.
The Netherlands appeared on course for victory after taking the lead midway through the second half through Cody Gakpo. The Liverpool forward, who featured shortly after news that his partner had lost their unborn child, celebrated an emotional goal as his teammates gathered around him in support.
However, Morocco refused to give up and forced extra time with a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time. Issa Diop rose highest to head in substitute Chemsdine Talbi’s cross in the first minute of added time, sending the match into an additional 30 minutes.
The encounter had been fiercely contested, with both teams creating chances in a physical battle that tested the discipline of Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio.
Morocco had threatened early in the match when Neil El Aynaoui connected with an Achraf Hakimi corner in the 20th minute, but Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen produced an excellent reflex save to keep the effort out.
Despite the Netherlands controlling periods of the game, Morocco’s persistence paid off as they held their nerve in the shootout to claim a memorable victory and continue their World Cup journey.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
