Morocco bests the Netherlands in 3-2 penalty shootout win

Following Germany and Paraguay’s match, Morocco vs. the Netherlands would also take penalties to decide a victor.

The match opened with a lot of physical that simply would not go away.

As the half continued, there would be several chippy moments between Dutch and Moroccan players.

In terms of soccer, both sides sat very equal, splitting the possession 50-50, and while Morocco outshot the Netherlands by only one.

Their four shots would force two saves from Bart Verbruggen, both of which came in the 20th minute.

The physicality would make itself known when in the 38th minute, Dutch defenseman Jan Paul van Hecke would need to leave the pitch for a moment to tend a blood pouring from his head.

In the 44th minute, the Netherlands’ Micky van de Ven would take just the third shot of the half for the Dutch but sailed it over the bar.

Late into stoppage-time Morocco had a golden opportunity to draw first blood.

Moroccan forward Ismael Saibari saw a set piece pass into the box and just missed sinking it home.

But at the half, neither side could pull away, sending both teams to the locker rooms scoreless.

Morocco looked to continue where they left off in the first half with a great chances in the 52nd and 55th minutes.

And the Moroccan pressure just kept coming.

In the 63rd minute, Verbruggen would make a fantastic save to keep the deadlock intact.

But not matter how fierce the Moroccan offense was, it would be the Netherlands who would take the lead.

Cody Gakpo would collect a loose ball in the 72nd minute and following a rough collision, the ball would trickle itself into net.

But Morocco was not shaken.

For the third time in four knockout stage matches, a goal would be scored in stoppage time.

The goal, courtesy of Issa Diop.

Following the Diop goal, neither side would be able to pull ahead before the full-time whistle.

In the 97th minute, Verbruggen would make yet another save keeping the game even at 0.

But through the 30 minutes of extra time, neither side could find a goal, leading to the second match in a row that would be decided by penalties.

To lead it off for the Netherlands Teun Koopmeiners would bury his strike.

Neil El Aynaoui looked to equalize, but he would bang it off the cross bar.

Justin Kluivert stepped up to put the Netherlands up 2-0, but his shot would ricochet off the left post.

On Soufiane Rahimi Wout Weghorst attempt Verbruggen seemingly kept it out, but the ball would squirt away and in to tie it at one a piece.

Wout Weghorst would put the Netherlands up 2-1.

However, Chemsdine Talbi would sink his shot and tie it up at two.

Quinten Timber looked to put the Dutch up, but his strike would miss right left.

Achraf Hakimi would try to put Morocco on the brink of victory, but his attempt would ricochet off the left post.

Crysencio Summerville knew a goal here could put the Dutch one save away from advancing, but his attempt would be saved.

Saibari, who missed a great scoring opportunity earlier in the match, stood now with a chance send Morocco through to the round of 16.

Morocco will match up next against Canada at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Follow Adrian Murillo Silva on Instagram @adrianms_official

About the Author Published Jun 30, 2026

ADRIAN MURILLO SILVA

Adrian Murillo Silva covers both MLB and soccer news for Ball Exclusives. He has previously worked with other news publications such as The Lantern, the independent student voice of Ohio State.