Morocco Beats Netherlands on Penalties to Reach World Cup Round of 16

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Morocco national football team defeated the Netherlands in their round of 32 match at the FIFA World Cup to secure a place in the next round of the tournament. The match, held in the Mexican city of Monterrey, ended in favor of the African team following a post-match penalty shootout.

Regular and extra time failed to produce a winner, ending in a 1-1 draw. The European side opened the scoring in the 72nd minute through a precise strike by Cody Gakpo. The Moroccan team managed to avoid defeat in second-half stoppage time, with Issa Diop scoring the equalizer in the first minute of added time (90+1). In the ensuing penalty shootout, the Morocco players proved more accurate and composed, winning 3-2.

After scoring for the Netherlands, Cody Gakpo did not celebrate and could not hold back his tears. The footballer's emotional reaction was connected to a family tragedy, as his girlfriend had publicly shared news of the loss of their child during pregnancy the day before.

Following the preliminary group stage of the World Cup, Morocco qualified for the knockout stage after finishing second in Group C, while the Netherlands advanced to the round of 32 as the top team in Group F. In the round of 16, Morocco will face Canada. The match is scheduled for 4 July and will take place in Houston, Texas.

The international football tournament is being co-hosted this year by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The final match of the competition will take place on 19 July, with Argentina currently holding the title of reigning World Cup champions.