Morocco booked their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Monterrey.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero for the Atlas Lions, saving Crysencio Summerville’s decisive penalty before Ismael Saibari converted the winning spot-kick to seal victory.
The North Africans will now face Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday in Houston.
The Netherlands appeared to be heading for victory after Cody Gakpo gave them the lead midway through the second half. The Liverpool forward celebrated emotionally after scoring, having recently suffered the loss of his unborn child.
Morocco, however, refused to give up and found a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time when Issa Diop headed home from Chemsdine Talbi’s cross to force extra time.
The Atlas Lions had created several chances earlier in the game, with Achraf Hakimi and Neil El Aynaoui both denied by impressive saves from Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
Extra time produced more opportunities, including a superb save by Verbruggen to deny Soufiane Rahimi, sending the contest to penalties.
Although Morocco missed their opening penalty, they recovered to win the shootout after Bounou’s crucial save, securing a memorable victory and a place in the knockout stage.
