Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Netherlands vs Morocco was not only decided by penalties, but by the way the Dutch allowed control to slip away long before the shootout at Estadio Monterrey.
Netherlands national football team led through Cody Gakpo in the 72nd minute, but Morocco national football team kept pushing until Issa Diop’s stoppage-time header forced extra time. Morocco then held their nerve from the spot to win the shootout 3-2.
For more World Cup knockout analysis, read Brazil vs Japan Possession Battle Explains Late World Cup Collapse, while official tournament information is available through the FIFA World Cup 2026 page.
Fouls Turned The Match Into A Fight
Netherlands vs Morocco became a stop-start contest, with both teams dragged into a physical midfield battle. Netherlands committed 18 fouls, while Morocco committed 15, showing how often rhythm was broken.
The yellow-card details available from reviewed match data were not complete enough to safely name booked players. What can be said is that the foul count suited Morocco more than Netherlands, because it slowed Dutch passing and kept the match tense.
Netherlands Invited Pressure Too Early
Netherlands had the lead, but they did not use it well. Instead of keeping the ball and forcing Morocco to chase, Ronald Koeman’s side dropped deeper and gave Morocco more time to build attacks.
That choice made the final minutes dangerous. Morocco kept sending bodies forward, and Diop’s late header punished a Dutch side that had become too focused on protecting the lead.
Morocco Won The Penalty Nerve Test
The shootout showed the difference in calmness. Teun Koopmeiners and Wout Weghorst scored for Netherlands, but Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville failed to convert.
Morocco had misses too, with Neil El Aynaoui and Achraf Hakimi unable to score. But Soufiane Rahimi, Chemsdine Talbi and Ismael Saibari delivered enough, with Saibari’s final kick sending Morocco through.
Why Netherlands Lost
Netherlands lost because they stopped playing with enough authority after going ahead. Their back-five shape protected space at times, but it also left them too passive when Morocco raised the pressure.
The Dutch did not create enough after Gakpo’s goal, and their game management became too cautious. By the time penalties arrived, Morocco had already won the emotional battle.
Morocco deserved credit for staying alive, forcing mistakes and trusting Yassine Bounou in the shootout. Netherlands had the lead, but Morocco had the stronger finish and the clearer belief when the match turned into a test of nerve.
