Netherlands v Morocco

For the second time in their history, Morocco overcome a major UEFA power on penalties at the World Cup, by taking down the Netherlands 3-2, following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes, four years on from their improbable victory over Spain in Qatar in similar fashion. The Atlas Lions created the better opportunities in the first half but were unable to beat Verbruggen, who managed to keep the scores level with two fantastic saves in a three-minute span to help weather the early storm. Despite coming out of the interval second-best, the Oranje managed to find the breakthrough courtesy of Gakpo, which looked to be enough to win the tie, if not for Diop’s timely header in the first minute of stoppages. The late strike pushed the game to a cagey and rather uneventful extra-time period, except for Rahmi’s gilt-edged opportunity, which was denied by a quick-thinking Verbruggen at point-blank range. Koopmeiners gave Koeman’s side the perfect start during the spot-kicks, but misses from Kluivert and Timber, as well as Bounou’s save on Summerville - presented Saibari with the opportunity to confirm his side's spot in the next round, which he took with aplomb from 12 yards out to end the game. The win sees Morocco through to a last-16 tie against co-hosts Canada in Houston on July 4, while the Netherlands' quest for a first World Cup win will continue until at least 2030. That concludes our commentary of the 2026 World Cup round-of-32 clash between the Netherlands and Morocco at Estadio Monterrey - we hope you’ve enjoyed it!

FULL-TIME AFTER EXTRA-TIME AND PENALTIES: NETHERLANDS 1-1 MOROCCO (2-3 ON PENALTIES)

120'

Penalty - Scored

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT! MOROCCO THROUGH TO THE ROUND OF 16! Verbruggen guesses the wrong way, leaving the entire side of the goal open, and Saibari makes absolutely no mistake, rolling a low penalty - hit more for accuracy than power - into the bottom corner before whipping off his shirt and wheeling away to celebrate with the overjoyed Morocco technical staff and supporters!

120'

Penalty - Saved

THE BIG HAND OF BONOU! Summerville takes a long run up from a central position before throwing his boot at the ball to drive it right of centre, but Bounou doesn’t commit to his dive fully - taking a step in the right direction before throwing out his left glove to punch the winger’s spot-kick away! It somehow remains 2-2! Morocco now have the chance to seal the tie!

120'

Penalty - Missed

OFF THE POST! INCREDIBLE! Looking to give his side a captain’s contribution, Hakimi takes to the spot, but he can’t find the back of the net with his low, right-footed effort that doesn’t give Verbruggen a chance - as it smashes off the base of the woodwork and cannons back out! Still 2-2!

120'

Penalty - Missed

MISSED! Timber sends the goalkeeper the wrong direction by opening up his body to fake one way, before pulling his shot to the other side and missing the net completely! The score stays at 2-2, but it gives Morocco the chance to take the lead!