Morocco win penalty thriller against Netherlands to reach FIFA World Cup last 16

Both teams made an energetic start, with strong challenges flying in as neither side wanted to give away an early advantage. The Netherlands enjoyed more of the ball during the opening stages, but Morocco looked dangerous whenever they attacked.

The first clear chance fell to Morocco when Neil El Aynaoui powered a header towards goal, only for Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to produce an outstanding close-range save. Moments later, he made an even better stop by tipping Achraf Hakimi's powerful strike over the crossbar.

The Dutch responded through Micky van de Ven, whose powerful effort forced Yassine Bounou into a fine save late in the first half. Morocco also came close before the break when Hakimi's dangerous free-kick flashed across goal, but Ismael Saibari could not make the crucial touch.

Morocco returned after the interval with greater attacking intent. Ayyoub Bouaddi wasted a promising opening, while Brahim Diaz was crowded out inside the penalty area before Hakimi crashed a fierce effort against the crossbar.

Despite controlling large periods of possession, Morocco could not find the breakthrough and were punished in the 71st minute. Substitute Wout Weghorst flicked the ball into the path of Crysencio Summerville, who squared for Cody Gakpo to calmly fire a low finish past Bounou and give the Netherlands the lead.

Morocco refused to give up and pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when Chemsdine Talbi delivered an excellent cross that Issa Diop headed beyond Verbruggen to level the match and force extra time.

Extra time produced more chances but no winner. Verbruggen made another remarkable save to deny Soufiane Rahimi from close range, while both teams continued to search for a decisive goal before the match went to penalties.

The shootout proved just as dramatic. El Aynaoui missed Morocco's opening penalty, but Justin Kluivert quickly handed the advantage back by striking the post. Rahimi's effort crossed the line despite Verbruggen initially appearing to save it, before Quinten Timber dragged his penalty wide.

Hakimi then struck the post to keep the tension high, but Bounou became Morocco's hero by saving Summerville's penalty with one hand. That left Saibari with the opportunity to seal victory, and he calmly converted to send the Atlas Lions into the Round of 16.

The victory extended Morocco's memorable World Cup campaign and secured only the nation's third appearance in the knockout stages, while the Netherlands saw their 11-match unbeaten run in competitive football come to an end.