Morocco down Netherlands to reach World Cup last 16

Morocco reached the World Cup last 16 by defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw through extra time on Monday in Monterrey. The shootout decided it with Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou blocking the Netherlands’ fifth penalty from Crysencio Summerville, after which Ismael Saibari scored the winning kick. Morocco’s equalizer came in stoppage time of the first half when Issa Diop headed in to make it 1-1, sending the match to extra time. The Netherlands had taken the lead in the second half with Cody Gakpo, and Morocco continued to create chances despite a physical game officiated by Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio. After the hydration break, substitute Wout Weghorst helped spark the Netherlands’ late pressure, but Diop’s goal forced extra time. Morocco will play Canada in Houston on Saturday. The article also notes the refereeing drama included a disallowed goal and booking incidents, while the Netherlands’ late momentum followed a structured period of substitutions.