The Moroccan team created an emotional comeback to defeat the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after the two teams drew 1-1 in 120 minutes, thereby winning a ticket to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
Although the match had to be decided by a penalty shootout, the African representative was considered the better team for most of the time. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi's team controlled the game, created many dangerous opportunities and continuously put pressure on the Dutch defense.
Meanwhile, coach Ronald Koeman chose a defensive counter-attacking style with a three-center-back defense including Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake. However, this approach was not effective when the Netherlands almost did not create significant pressure on the opponent's goal.
Throughout more than 120 minutes of play, the "Orange Hurricane" only had two shots on target. One of them became a goal when Cody Gakpo scored from a pass from Crysencio Summerville in the second half, helping the Netherlands get very close to the ticket to the next round.
However, Morocco did not give up. The African representative continued to put pressure and was rewarded with a late equalizer to drag the match into extra time before showing their bravery in the penalty shootout.
We all know how difficult it is to take penalties at such times. But missing 3 out of 5 is too much. We brought Justin on because he is usually a good penalty taker. But today things didn't go as planned" - Koeman said after the match.
In the match, Achraf Hakimi twice hit the crossbar, while Azzedine Ounahi continuously stirred up the midfield with technical moves. Conversely, Brian Brobbey almost disappeared before the marking of Issa Diop and Chadi Riad, not launching a single noteworthy shot.
One of the most controversial points is Koeman's substitution decisions. He put Wout Weghorst on the field instead of fast attacking options like Memphis Depay or Donyell Malen. At the end of the match, when Morocco continuously put pressure from set pieces, the Dutch strategist even substituted Micky van de Ven - a defender with a height advantage - to replace him with Jorrel Hato.
In the opposite direction, Morocco continues to show remarkable progress under Mohamed Ouahbi. Different from the image of focusing on counter-attacking defense at the 2022 World Cup, the North African team now proactively controls the ball, plays confidently in attack and is ready to impose their game against big opponents.
The seventh position in the FIFA rankings partly reflects the true strength of Morocco. They are no longer a phenomenon but have become a real force in world football.
The victory over the Netherlands once again confirms that. After a convincing and brave performance, Morocco deserves to be in the round of 16, where they will continue to nurture their ambition to create miracles at the 2026 World Cup.
