Ismael Saibari held his nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout to fire Morocco into the last 16 and condemn the Netherlands to their first FIFA World Cup relegation in recent memory, as the Atlas Lions won 3-2 after a 1-1 draw in Monterrey on Monday night.With the score delicately tied at 2-2 after four rounds, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced the decisive moment, diving sharply to his left to deny Crysencia Summerville’s effort. That defense swung hard in Morocco’s direction and Saibari stepped up to deliver the decisive strike, placing a composed low finish into the bottom left corner as Bart Verbruggen dived the wrong way.The Netherlands looked on course for promotion after Cody Gakpo scored in the 72nd minute, finishing off a well-timed assist from Summerville. The goal sparked emotional celebrations as the Dutch bench rushed onto the pitch, with Gakpo breaking down in tears amid personal grief after recently revealing the loss of his unborn child.However, Morocco refused to be denied. Deep into stoppage time, Issa Diop rose to head home Chemsdine Talbi’s cross in the 91st minute, forcing extra time at the BBVA Stadium.Neither side managed a clear goal-scoring opportunity in the extra 30 minutes, sparking a tense shootout between the two top-ranked teams in the round — world number six Morocco and seventh-ranked Netherlands.
The Moroccan team begins to celebrate after winning on penalties in the round of 16 match of the World Cup. (AP photo)
The result ended the Netherlands’ streak of reaching at least the last 16 at eight previous World Cups, including a quarter-final appearance four years ago, while Morocco — who reached the semi-finals in the previous edition — continue their impressive rise on the global stage.It was also the second penalty shootout of the tournament, following Paraguay’s win over Germany earlier in the day.
