Morocco Makes History with Win Over Netherlands in World Cup

Morocco set new records for African teams at the FIFA World Cup by defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in the Round of 32 on Tuesday. Issa Diop scored a late equalizer for Morocco, canceling out Cody Gakpo's 72nd-minute goal for the Netherlands, which forced the match into extra time.

During the penalty shootout, the Netherlands missed two spot kicks, with Crysencio Summerville's fifth penalty saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassin Bounou. Ismael Saibari converted the decisive kick, securing Morocco's victory.

This win allows Morocco to progress to the knockout stage for the third time in World Cup history, equaling the total number of knockout matches won by all African nations combined. Morocco's previous knockout victories were in 1990, 2002, and 2010.

The team, currently ranked seventh in Africa and led by coach Moham Ouahbi, will face co-host Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday.