Morocco won the penalty shootout over the Netherlands after their Canada vs Morocco World Cup round of 32 match finished 2-2 in Monterrey. The result sent Morocco into the round of 16 and ended the Netherlands’ run after a group stage that had looked strong.
Saibari’s Left-Corner Finish
Ismael Saibari took Morocco’s final penalty and buried it into the left corner. Bart Verbruggen went left, but Morocco still had the last word in the shootout.
That ending turned a tied match into a knockout result. Morocco survived a game that stayed level through 2-2, then handled the decisive kick when the shootout reached its last step.
Verbruggen’s Save Attempts
Verbruggen played well enough to keep the Netherlands in it, yet the shootout still broke against him. Morocco needed only one clean finish at the end, and Saibari supplied it.
Soufiane Rahimi was part of the Morocco side that moved through, while the Netherlands went out sooner than expected. Two World Cup round of 32 matches went to penalties on Monday, and this one was decided by the final strike.
Houston Awaits Morocco
Morocco now turns to Canada in Houston on Saturday. The bracket has already changed: Morocco stays alive in the knockout stage, while the Netherlands is out.
For Morocco, the next task is simpler on paper and harsher in practice. One penalty ended the Netherlands’ stay and sent Morocco on to the round of 16 with Canada next.
