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Morocco Eliminates Netherlands in Penalty Shootout

The penalty defeat ends the Netherlands' World Cup campaign; Morocco now face Canada in the last eight.

Overview

  • In Monterrey on Tuesday the match finished 1-1 after 120 minutes and Morocco won the penalty shootout 3-2 to knock the Netherlands out of the tournament.
  • Cody Gakpo scored a teary 72nd-minute goal after recently announcing the death of his unborn son, but Issa Diop equalised in stoppage time to force extra time.
  • Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made several crucial saves but an incident in the shootout led to an own goal and three missed Dutch penalties decided the tie.
  • Pundits sharply criticised Ronald Koeman’s defensive 5-2-3 selection and substitution choices for leaving Oranje short of attacking chances, and Koeman said he will now consider his future as coach.
  • Large, jubilant street celebrations by Moroccan supporters filled Dutch cities and the result underlines Morocco’s growing international stature as they prepare to meet Canada in the quarterfinals.