Morocco beat Netherlands on penalties in World Cup round of 32 thriller

Morocco’s extraordinary World Cup run has continued, beating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Estadio Monterrey.

Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock for the Dutch in the 72nd minute, scoring his third goal of the tournament in an emotional moment for the forward.

Gakpo’s partner had announced just two days earlier that the couple had lost their unborn son, and Monday’s match marked his first appearance back with the squad. Several teammates rushed to embrace him after the goal, and Gakpo appeared to fight back tears.

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Morocco refused to fold. Issa Diop headed in his first international goal from a Chemsdine Talbi cross deep into stoppage time – the 25th stoppage-time goal of the tournament – to force extra time.

Neither side could find a winner across 30 additional minutes, despite a string of fine saves from both goalkeepers. Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen denied Soufiane Rahimi with a crucial save in the first period of extra time, keeping his side level.

The shootout swung back and forth. Teun Koopmeiners opened by scoring for the Netherlands before Nayef El Aynaoui missed for Morocco. Justin Kluivert then struck the post, but Rahimi made amends for his earlier miss, with his effort initially saved by Verbruggen before squirming over the line.

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Wout Weghorst and Chemsdine Talbi both converted, before Quinten Timber fired wide and captain Achraf Hakimi also struck the post. Crysencio Summerville’s effort was saved by Yassine Bounou, leaving substitute Ismael Saibari – who had struggled throughout the match – to slot home the winning kick.

Morocco will face the winner of Wednesday’s match between Croatia and Senegal in the Round of 16.