Morocco national football team defeated the Netherlands national football team in a dramatic FIFA World Cup quarter-final qualification clash, advancing 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time at the FIFA World Cup.
The Atlas Lions, who dominated possession throughout the match, were forced into a shootout after a stoppage-time equaliser, with Issa Diop rescuing Morocco late in the game following a precise cross from Chemsdine Talbi.
The Netherlands took the lead in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo, set up by Crysencio Summerville, after a swift counterattack that broke Morocco’s defensive pressure.
Despite Morocco’s sustained dominance, goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen kept the Dutch in the contest with key saves, including a crucial extra-time stop to deny Soufiane Rahimi.
In the penalty shootout, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero, saving multiple efforts from Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber, and Summerville, while Morocco converted their spot-kicks through Rahimi, Talbi, and Ismael Saibari, who scored the decisive penalty.
Morocco will now face Canada national football team in the last eight.
