Morocco edged the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw after extra time on Monday to book their spot in the World Cup last 16, where they will face co-hosts Canada.
Ismael Saibari smashed home the decisive penalty after Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou denied Crysencio Summerville. The shootout victory capped a gripping encounter in Monterrey, largely dominated by vocal local Mexican fans backing the African side.
Morocco controlled the first half, but Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made several crucial saves to deny Ayoub Bouaddi and Neil El Aynaoui. Achraf Hakimi also rattled the crossbar for the Atlas Lions.
The Dutch broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute. Substitute Wout Weghorst set up Summerville, who assisted Cody Gakpo for a first-time finish. Gakpo, playing days after losing his unborn son, broke down in tears during the emotional celebration.
Just as the Netherlands seemed destined for the win, Moroccan substitute Chemsdine Talbi delivered a perfect cross for Issa Diop, who headed home a stoppage-time equalizer over Virgil van Dijk to force extra time.
After a scoreless extra period, the match went to penalties. Despite misses from El Aynaoui and Hakimi, Bounou's heroics and Quinten Timber’s missed effort allowed Saibari to seal the historic win for Morocco.
