Netherlands exit the World Cup after a penalty shootout loss to Morocco in the Round of 32. Liverpool stars Gakpo, Van Dijk, and Gravenberch featured.
Netherlands knocked out in Round of 32
The Netherlands have been eliminated from the World Cup at the Round of 32 stage after a penalty shootout loss to Morocco. The match, which featured Liverpool players Cody Gakpo, Virgil van Dijk, and Ryan Gravenberch for the Netherlands, ended 1-1 after extra time in Monterrey.
Cody Gakpo opened the scoring for the Netherlands in the 72nd minute. His goal came from a loose ball in the area during a swift break forward, giving his team an initial lead. However, Morocco equalised in the first minute of added time at the end of regular play through Issa Diop’s header, forcing the game into extra time and ultimately penalties.
The African nation then secured a 3-2 victory in the shootout, advancing to the Round of 16. This marks the fourth time the Netherlands have been knocked out of a FIFA World Cup on penalties.
Match details and key moments
The game was described as a frustrating and ill-tempered contest, rather than the free-flowing clash anticipated between two attacking sides. Early in the match, Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke was involved in an incident with Morocco striker Ismael Saibari, sparking anger among the Morocco team. Van Hecke also sustained an injury to his forehead during a challenge.
Morocco created more chances before halftime, with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen making several saves to deny efforts from Ayoub Bouaddi and Neil El Aynaoui. At the other end, Bounou saved a long-range strike from Micky van de Ven. Hakimi also hit the crossbar and forced another save from Verbruggen as the Dutch struggled to contain his runs.
Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands coach, made changes to his attack, introducing Wout Weghorst. Weghorst’s immediate impact was evident as he won a flick-on that released Summerville, creating the opportunity for Cody Gakpo’s first-time finish. Gakpo showed visible emotion after scoring, reportedly playing days after a personal loss.
After taking the lead, the Netherlands appeared more comfortable, with captain Virgil van Dijk making crucial interventions to prevent Morocco from creating clear chances. However, Morocco made late substitutions around the 80th minute to increase their attacking pace. This led to Chemsdine Talbi’s cross finding Isa Diop, who headed in the equaliser in stoppage time, sending the match to extra time.
Penalty shootout drama
The penalty shootout began with the Netherlands winning the toss and choosing to take kicks in front of their supporters. Teun Koopmeiners gave them an initial lead. Morocco’s Aynaoui then missed, sending his penalty over the bar, putting the Dutch 1-0 up.
However, Justin Kluivert hit the crossbar, and Morocco’s Soufiane Rahimi’s penalty was initially saved by Verbruggen but rebounded off the goalkeeper and into the net. Wout Weghorst scored for the Netherlands, making it 2-1, before Talbi equalised for Morocco.
The drama continued as Quinten Timber missed for the Netherlands, but Achraf Hakimi then hit the crossbar for Morocco. With the score at 2-2 after four penalties each, Crysencio Summerville’s attempt was saved by Bounou. This left Ismael Saibari to score the final penalty, securing Morocco’s 3-2 victory in the shootout.
This defeat marks another instance of the Netherlands being eliminated from the World Cup via penalties, having previously lost to Argentina in the 2022 quarter-final and 2014 semi-final, and to Brazil in the 1998 semi-final.
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Source: liverpoolfc.com
