Morocco Beat Netherlands in Dramatic Tie-breaker to Reach the Round of 16

Darwin, 30 June :Morocco booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3–2 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a thrilling 1–1 draw.

With the match level after 90 minutes, it went into 30 minutes of extra time. Neither side could find a winner, sending the contest to penalties.

The first half ended goalless, with both teams creating few clear-cut chances. The Netherlands broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo. However, Morocco struck deep into stoppage time as Issa Diop found the equalizer to force extra time.

The match was closely contested throughout. Possession was evenly shared, although Morocco looked slightly more dangerous in attack, registering four shots, two of which were on target. The Dutch managed three attempts, with two failing to hit the target.

Penalty Shootout

Netherlands

• 1st: Teun Koopmeiners — Scored
• 2nd: Justin Kluivert — Missed (hit the post)
• 3rd: Wout Weghorst — Scored
• 4th: Quinten Timber — Missed
• 5th: Crysencio Summerville — Saved by Yassine Bounou

Morocco

• 1st: El Aynaoui — Missed
• 2nd: Rahimi — Missed
• 3rd: Chemsdine Talbi — Scored
• 4th: Achraf Hakimi — Missed
• 5th: Saibari — Scored

Despite both teams missing several penalties, Morocco held their nerve to secure a 3–2 shootout victory and advance to the Round of 16.

For the Netherlands, it marked another heartbreaking World Cup exit on penalties. They were eliminated by Argentina in a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals of the previous World Cup, and this time Morocco ended their campaign in similar fashion.

Germany Also Eliminated

In another dramatic Round of 32 clash, four-time world champions Germany were knocked out after losing 4–3 on penalties to Paraguay.

The match finished 1–1 after both regulation time and extra time, before Paraguay prevailed in the shootout to seal their place in the Round of 16.