Morocco's remarkable World Cup run continued in Monterrey as they edged the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout, leaving Nathan Ake's tournament hopes in tatters.
Cody Gakpo had given the Dutch the breakthrough with an emotionally charged goal that briefly looked set to send Ake's side through. But Morocco hit back almost immediately as Issa Diop rose to head home from a Chemsdine Talbi cross deep into stoppage time, forcing extra-time. It was the first international goal of Diop's career.
The additional thirty minutes proved largely cagey, though Soufiane Rahimi nearly won it for Morocco only for Bart Verbruggen to deny him at point-blank range. With neither side able to find a winner, the tie went to penalties.
Koopmeiners converted to give the Dutch the perfect start from the spot, but misses from Kluivert and Timber, compounded by a save from Yassine Bounou against Summerville, opened the door for Ismael Saibari. The Moroccan midfielder kept his composure, rolling home a precise low penalty to confirm his side's progress and trigger wild celebrations among the Morocco bench and supporters.
The contest finished 1-1 after extra-time, with Morocco prevailing 3-2 from the spot. The result sends Morocco through to a Round of 16 meeting with co-hosts Canada in Houston.
Ake played the full 120 minutes but couldn't prevent the Dutch exit. The City defender's tournament ends earlier than hoped, while Morocco's adventure rolls on.