Morocco Eliminates 'Oranje' in Penalty Shootout

Following the 'German Tank,' the 'Oranje' have also been eliminated.

Morocco, which achieved a historic semifinal run in Qatar four years ago, defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout to advance to the Round of 16.

Morocco, ranked 7th in the FIFA rankings, and the 8th-ranked Netherlands engaged in a fierce battle throughout the match.

In the 27th minute of the second half, the Netherlands broke the deadlock with a goal from Gakpo.

Gakpo, who suffered the painful loss of his second child just days ago, fell to his knees and wept after scoring, while his teammates rushed over to share his grief and offer comfort.

Morocco, on the brink of elimination, made a dramatic comeback with an equalizer from Diop in second-half stoppage time.

The fate of the two teams was ultimately decided in a penalty shootout after extra time.

With the score tied at 2-2 after the fourth kickers, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved a shot from the Netherlands' Summerville, securing a thrilling victory.

Morocco, dreaming of recreating their semifinal miracle from Qatar four years ago, will now face Canada for a spot in the quarterfinals. The Netherlands, a quarterfinalist in the last tournament, is heading home early despite finishing first in the 'Group of Death' that included Japan and Sweden.

Video by Hwang Ji-young
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.