Morocco produced another statement performance on the World Cup stage, fighting back late before defeating the Netherlands 3 to 2 on penalties in Monterrey to secure their place in the last 16.
The match carried deep emotion for Cody Gakpo, who had recently revealed the heartbreaking loss of his unborn son. Despite that personal grief, the Liverpool forward stayed with the Dutch squad and appeared to have delivered a powerful winning moment when he scored in the 72nd minute.
Ronald Koeman changed his system, using a back five for the first time in 32 matches, but Morocco still looked the more dangerous side for long periods. Achraf Hakimi, making his 100th appearance for his country, tested Bart Verbruggen, while Neil El Aynaoui also forced the Dutch goalkeeper into action.
At the other end, the Netherlands created openings of their own, with Micky van de Ven going close from distance. The contest was physical from the start, with several battles across the pitch setting the tone for a tense knockout encounter.
Morocco increased the pressure after half time and almost found the breakthrough when Hakimi struck the crossbar. However, they were punished on the counter as Gakpo finished a rapid Dutch attack, smashing the ball home before being surrounded by his team mates.
Just when the Netherlands looked set to hold on, Morocco found a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time. Chemsdine Talbi delivered a dangerous cross and Issa Diop powered in a header to take the game into extra time.
Verbruggen then made one of the standout saves of the tournament, denying Soufiane Rahimi after the substitute had weaved through the Dutch defence. With neither side able to score again, the tie was decided from the spot.
Teun Koopmeiners gave the Netherlands the early advantage, but the shootout soon swung both ways. El Aynaoui struck the bar, Justin Kluivert hit the post, and Quinten Timber dragged his effort wide. Hakimi also missed, striking the upright, before Yassine Bounou saved from Crysencio Summerville.
That gave Ismail Saibari the chance to win it, and he calmly sent Verbruggen the wrong way to seal Morocco’s progression.
After their famous run to the semi finals in Qatar four years ago, Morocco have once again beaten a major European nation. Ranked sixth in the world, one place above the Netherlands, the Atlas Lions now face Canada in Houston on Saturday, with their confidence growing and another deep run firmly in sight.
