The Netherlands exit the 2026 World Cup after misery on penalties G Trends

It looked earlier as though an impressive goal from Cody Jacobo would win the Netherlands in normal time.

Jackpo’s partner announced the loss of their unborn son at the weekend and the Liverpool striker collapsed on the turf in tears with his head in his hands after putting his team ahead with 18 minutes remaining. He was quickly surrounded by his teammates who were keen to show their support.

But Morocco were not finished yet, and centre-back Issa Diop pressed forward in an act of desperation, heading in an injury-time equalizer to rescue his team.

The goalkeepers excel in a scoreless first half

The first period was characterized by great saves by goalkeepers Bart Verbruggen and Yassine Bounou.

The Dutch were the better side for the first 20 minutes, but Morocco exploded into life shortly before the first wet break with captain Achraf Hakimi, making his 100th appearance, prominently featured.

The Paris Saint-Germain full-back fired a corner kick from the right side, which was met perfectly by Neil El Aynaoui, but his header was wonderfully cleared by Brighton goalkeeper Verbruggen.

A minute later, Hakimi tried his luck from the edge of the penalty area, forcing Verbruggen to send his powerful shot over the crossbar.

The Dutch team responded after 43 minutes through Micky van de Ven, who moved forward and shot a powerful shot, which Bono succeeded in blocking.

Morocco ended the first half with an advantage when Azzedine Ounahi shot over the crossbar and Saibari failed to finish a wonderful free kick executed by Hakimi after he evaded Van de Ven at the far post.

Morocco rises to the top, and the Netherlands declines

If the first half was equal, the second half was not, during the first 25 minutes at least, as Morocco began to take control, especially in midfield where Ayoub Bouadi, Ounahi and El Ainaoui had significant possession of the ball.

The tactic seems to be to be patient until they can cut the ball over the top for Hakimi.

They tried it six minutes after half-time when the Paris Saint-Germain full-back made a clean run, but instead of passing the ball to Saibari, he headed towards goal and blasted his effort off the crossbar.

He was in the box again four minutes later but was denied by a brilliant tackle from Van de Ven, one of the few players who can match the Moroccan bird in terms of pace.

Koeman has seen enough and chose to make some changes with Brian Proby and Nathan Ake leaving and changing the formation to 4-3-3.

The effect was immediate. Brobbey substitute Wout Weghorst’s first touch was to cross Verbruggen’s goal kick for Summerville, and despite being fouled, he managed to pass the ball to Gakpo to fire past Bounou.

It seemed that the challenge facing Morocco had diminished, but its coach, Mohamed Wehbe, also succeeded in rolling the dice with great effect.

Shamseddine Talebi was brought on and the Sunderland winger set up the equalizer in the first minute of extra time, curling in a brilliant cross from the left that Diop met to head past Verbruggen.

There was still time for Summerville to take a clear lead, but a brilliant challenge from Noussair Mazraoui ensured the game went to extra time.

Dutch goalkeeper Verbruggen saves Morocco from danger

Talbi was a threat for the Dutch and another ball from the left flank almost set up the second goal five minutes into the extra period. He passed the ball to substitute Sofiane Rahimi who cut inside Virgil van Dijk but then fired his shot straight at Verbruggen who spread out well.

Morocco continued to investigate but found space behind the Dutch defense perfectly, with Koeman satisfied with his players sitting down and playing on set-pieces.

In the end, this tactic did not work with Holland now returning to her homeland.