SOCCER: Morocco advance after penalty shootout win over Netherlands in Monterrey thriller

MONTERREY, Mexico — Morocco defeated the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout on Monday to advance to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after their Round of 32 match ended 1-1 following extra time.

Ismael Saibari converted the winning penalty after Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved Crysencio Summerville's spot kick, sending the Atlas Lions through to a last-16 clash against co-host Canada in Houston on Saturday.

The penalty shootout was filled with drama. Morocco's Neil El Aynaoui and Dutch substitute Justin Kluivert both missed their attempts before Bart Verbruggen appeared to stop Soufiane Rahimi's penalty. However, the ball slipped underneath the Dutch goalkeeper and slowly crossed the goal line.

Quinten Timber then missed the Netherlands' fourth penalty by shooting wide. Achraf Hakimi had the opportunity to seal the victory but struck the post before Saibari calmly converted the decisive kick.

The shootout capped an entertaining contest in Monterrey, where both teams created chances throughout the match. Cody Gakpo gave the Netherlands the lead in the 72nd minute, but Morocco forced extra time when substitute Chemsdine Talbi delivered a cross for Issa Diop, who headed home a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer.

Neither side could find a winner during the additional 30 minutes, sending the match to penalties.

Thousands of Moroccan supporters celebrated the victory inside the stadium, joined by many local Mexican fans who backed the African side throughout the evening.

"We know this type of game, we know against who we play," Hakimi said. "We have to be focused and be strong physically but also mentally.

"I want to say thank you to Mexico for the support and all the Moroccans that came to support us."

Morocco created the better opportunities in the first half, but Verbruggen kept the Netherlands level with a series of impressive saves, denying Ayoub Bouaddi's close-range header and El Aynaoui's powerful strike. At the other end, Bounou made his first significant save by stopping Micky van de Ven's long-range effort.

Hakimi also struck the crossbar and repeatedly threatened with attacking runs from the right, while Dutch coach Ronald Koeman introduced Wout Weghorst in the second half to strengthen his team's attack.

The substitution paid off almost immediately. Weghorst won a flick-on that released Summerville, whose persistence set up Gakpo for a first-time finish past Bounou.

The goal carried deep personal significance for Gakpo, who was playing just days after he and his partner lost their unborn son during pregnancy. The Dutch forward broke down in tears as teammates embraced him in an emotional celebration.

The Netherlands appeared on course for victory, with captain Virgil van Dijk producing a crucial defensive block as Morocco pressed for an equalizer.

However, Morocco found a breakthrough in stoppage time when Talbi delivered a precise cross from the left and Diop rose above Van Dijk to head past Verbruggen, forcing extra time.

"The game plan was working," Van Dijk said. "In the end, in stoppage time, you get pushed back. Then it goes to penalties and then... unfortunately, we're eliminated.

"Of course there are always things that could be better, but that doesn't help us now."

Both teams threatened during extra time, but neither managed to score the winning goal. Morocco ultimately kept its composure in the penalty shootout to secure a memorable victory and continue its World Cup campaign with a Round of 16 meeting against Canada. -Writing by Mark Gleeson in Atlanta; Editing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters