Morocco defeated the Netherlands on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw following extra time in Monterrey to book their place in the World Cup round of 16. Cody Gakpo’s second-half opener looked set to send the Dutch through before Issa Diop headed home deep into stoppage time, with Ismael Saibari converting the decisive spot-kick in the shootout.

Atlas Lions dominated long spells of the knockout encounter but struggled to make their superiority count. Achraf Hakimi went close early on, while Ayyoub Bouaddi squandered a golden opportunity after the break before the Netherlands struck against the run of play. Cody Gakpo finished a slick move in the 72nd minute to put Ronald Koeman’s side on course for victory.

The Atlas Lions refused to give up and piled on the pressure as time ran out. Their persistence was rewarded deep into extra time when Issa Diop rose highest to meet Chemsdine Talbi’s lofted delivery and head home a dramatic equaliser, forcing the tie to a penalty shootout.

The shootout went the distance before Morocco emerged victorious. The Netherlands missed three of their spot-kicks, while Ismael Saibari calmly converted the decisive penalty to seal a 5-4 shootout victory and send Morocco through to the last 16.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)