Monterrey: Ismael Saibari converted the decisive spot kick as Morocco advanced to the World Cup Round of 16 on Monday by beating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout at Monterrey Stadium.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Cody Gakpo had initially given the Netherlands the lead with a 72nd-minute strike, but Issa Diop equalized in the 91st minute, forcing the match into extra time. Morocco will now face tournament co-host Canada in the next round on July 4 in Houston.

The match saw the Netherlands begin with Micky van de Ven deployed at left wing-back in a five-man defense. Both teams took time to settle, but Morocco gradually assumed control, repeatedly threatening through Achraf Hakimi on the right. Despite Bart Verbruggen's efforts to keep Morocco at bay, including turning away Neil El Aynaoui's header and denying Hakimi from a tight angle, the Netherlands almost took the lead before halftime with Van de Ven's long-range drive.

In the second half, Ronald Koeman's substitutions seemed to revive the Dutch side, as they broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute with a close-range finish from Gakpo. Morocco, however, continued to press for an equalizer and found it in stoppage time with Diop's header from Chemsdine Talbi's delivery, marking his first international goal.

The Netherlands nearly regained the lead, but Morocco's Noussair Mazraoui thwarted Crysencio Summerville's last-minute attack, pushing the game into extra time. Morocco maintained their attacking momentum but failed to secure a winner despite Verbruggen's crucial save against Soufiane Rahimi.

Ultimately, the match was decided by penalties, where Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber, and Summerville missed their attempts for the Netherlands. Although El Aynaoui and Hakimi also missed for Morocco, Saibari's successful conversion sent Verbruggen the wrong way and sealed the victory for Morocco.