News, goals, and analysis – only on the official A BOLA app. World Cup World Cup Elijah Raphael Gakpo was never born. He died during the pregnancy of Noa van der Bij, Cody Gakpo’s girlfriend, who announced the sad news two days before the Netherlands’ match against Morocco in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. How would the player and the team react to the tragedy? The player never wanted to sit out. Supported by everyone, he played, was a starter, and was decisive. In the 72nd minute, the Netherlands were fighting with everything they had. Bart Verbruggen had already made heroic saves, and the crossbar had smiled upon the team. Morocco had dominated since halftime, and the Dutch defense was almost only watching ships pass by – there were exceptions, like Van de Ven’s sensational clearance that prevented a certain goal from Hakimi. Until the tireless Summerville, even on the ground, assisted Gakpo, who scored and understandably began to cry before pointing to the sky. Gakpo against the run of play 🥶 Netherlands ahead 🇳🇱 #sporttvportugal #MUNDIALna SPORTTV #Mundial FIFA2026 #Netherlands #betano pic.twitter.com/Kj3i B5YSu0 However, what seemed to be a fairy tale for the Dutch orange machine had not yet reached its final chapters, where Moroccan quality stood out. Morocco felt the goal, but Mohamed Ouahbi did not let the team fall apart. He made five substitutions thinking about the attack and was rewarded almost at the sound of the final whistle. Chemsdine Talbi, after four minutes on the field, found (90+1’) Issa Diop’s head behind Van Dijk, and the center-back scored in the most memorable way possible for the national team. Diop equalizes in stoppage time 🤯 Extra time in sight in Monterrey 🍿 #sporttvportugal #MUNDIALna SPORTTV #Mundial FIFA2026 #Morocco pic.twitter.com/4cr3MBv LYv Ronald Koeman surprised with his approach to the match. He abandoned the 4-3-3 for a 3-4-3 that sought more emphasis on the wings but left Gravenberch and De Jong very exposed in midfield. The Moroccan team exploited the difficulties and caused many cold sweats for the Dutch. However, Verbruggen was ready to don the hero’s cape. El Aynaoui’s header (20’) and Hakimi’s shot (22’) had goal written all over them, but the Brighton goalkeeper rose to the occasion. And when he was beaten by a cross from the Moroccan captain, Saibari failed to get a touch at the goal line (45+6’); and when he was beaten again, the crossbar was there to stop (52’) a powerful shot from Hakimi in the heart of the area. Morocco dominated, with players possessing enviable technical skills that allowed them to pass, evade pressure, dribble, and reach finishing zones. Still, as has been written, the first to find the goal was the orange machine, before the Atlas Lions repeated the feat at the sound of the gong, forcing a tense extra time, except for a golden opportunity from Rahimi (96’), who evaded all opponents before shooting into a phenomenal knee save from Verbruggen. Bart Verbruggen was the best player of the 120 minutes and even saved a penalty from Rahimi… before inadvertently nudging the ball into his own net with his heel! After hitting the woodwork, Bono stole the spotlight from his counterpart and, even while standing, read Summerville’s mind and saved his shot, giving the stage for Saibari to shine. Morocco moves on 🇲🇦 The 🇳🇱 are out of the World Cup 🫨 #sporttvportugal #MUNDIALna SPORTTV #Mundial FIFA2026 #Morocco pic.twitter.com/6r897zsx5z The PSV man, who is on his way to Bayern, had scored in each of the group stage matches. Against the Netherlands, he was more subdued, but perhaps in the biggest moment of pressure of his entire career, he did not falter and secured Morocco’s place in the Round of 16, where they will face Canada (on July 4, at 18:00). Koopmeiners converts, a very well-taken penalty (1-0). El Ayouani (24) hits the crossbar (1-0). Justin Kluivert, who has already scored a hat trick of penalties in a Premier League match, hit the post after fooling Bono (1-0). Rahimi shoots for a save from Verbruggen… who deflects the ball into his own net with his heel (1-1)! Verbruggen lacked a bit of luck 🫠 #sporttvportugal #MUNDIALna SPORTTV #Mundial FIFA2026 #Netherlands pic.twitter.com/pz1Qswvglt Weghorst scores with great execution (1-2). A very well-taken penalty by Talbi for Morocco (2-2). Timber shoots wide. Very poorly taken (2-2). Hakimi hits the post (2-2). Simply Bono 🫡 #sporttvportugal #MUNDIALna SPORTTV #Mundial FIFA2026 #Morocco pic.twitter.com/l HB3Qijzh Summerville allows a standing save from Bono (2-2). Saibari converts the decisive penalty (2-3). Related Articles:
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