"Superpowers" fall/ After Germany, the Netherlands’ dream also fades, the “Tulips” are eliminated by Morocco on penalties

The 2026 World Cup continues to deliver major surprises. The Netherlands and Germany have been eliminated in the Round of 16 after dramatic penalty shootout defeats against Morocco and Paraguay.

Morocco secured qualification in a spectacular way against the Netherlands. The North Africans equalised in the 90th minute after a match in which they controlled much of the game. In the penalty shootout, the Moroccans hit the post twice, but still managed to triumph in an unbelievable finish.

El Aynaoui hit the crossbar, while Kluivert was denied by the post. Verbruggen seemed to have saved Rahimi’s shot, but the loose ball under him ended up in the net in a bizarre heel own goal.

Timber missed for the Netherlands, Hakimi hit the post, while Bono saved Summerville’s penalty. After a 1–1 draw in regular time, Morocco won 4–3 on penalties and secured progression to the next stage.

MATCH MOMENTS

The Africans triumphed 3–2 on penalties against the Netherlands after 120 minutes at the “Estadio Monterrey” ended in a 1–1 draw.

The match started at a high tempo with plenty of physical duels, while the best chances in the first half belonged to Morocco.

Bart Verbruggen made two spectacular saves, first against Neil El Aynaoui and then tipping a powerful strike from Achraf Hakimi over the crossbar. At the other end, Yassine Bounou proved decisive by stopping Dutch attempts, and the first half ended goalless.

Even after the break, Morocco looked more dangerous. Hakimi hit the crossbar, Brahim Díaz and his teammates created good chances, but they failed to find the net despite dominating possession.

However, in the 72nd minute, the Netherlands took the lead. After a well-worked move involving Wout Weghorst and Crysencio Summerville, Cody Gakpo scored with a low finish for 1–0.

When it seemed the “Tulips” were heading for qualification, Morocco struck back in stoppage time. A cross from Chemsdine Talbi was converted by Issa Diop, who equalised at 1–1 and sent the match into extra time.

In extra time, Verbruggen produced one of the best saves of the tournament, denying Soufiane Rahimi from close range, while neither side managed to find a winning goal.

From the penalty spot, the drama continued. Neil El Aynaoui missed Morocco’s first penalty, but Justin Kluivert hit the post for the Netherlands. Verbruggen then got a touch on Rahimi’s penalty, but the ball still crossed the line. Quinten Timber also missed for the Dutch, while Hakimi hit the post as well.

In the end, Morocco were more accurate and won the shootout 3–2, securing a place among the final 16 teams of the 2026 World Cup, while the Netherlands will have to wait for another tournament.

“KORÇA BOOM”