The Netherlands crashed out of the 2026 World Cup with a penalty shootout defeat to Morocco on Tuesday morning (UK time).
A defensive Dutch side soaked up immense Moroccan pressure and actually took the lead in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo, following great work from Wout Weghorst and Crysencio Summerville.
However, that pressure eventually told, with Morocco equalising in the first minute of second-half stoppage time through Issa Diop.
Neither side found a winner in extra time, with Morocco eventually winning the penalty shootout 3-2 after three misses from the Dutch.
Morocco will now face co-hosts Canada in the last 16, while the Netherlands have failed to reach the last 16 of a World Cup they’ve competed in for the first time since 2006.
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Koeman’s defensive tactics backfire
You have to wonder what Ronald Koeman was thinking with his tactics in this knockout clash.
The Netherlands were one of the most exciting teams in the entire tournament during the group stage, going unbeaten and scoring 10 goals across their three games — including a 5-1 demolition of Sweden.
However, against Morocco, their plan was clear: battle, frustrate, defend.
Instead of trying to take the game to the African champions, using the considerable threats of Brian Brobbey, Cody Gakpo et al, and the ball-playing brilliance of Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch, the Netherlands showed Morocco unwarranted respect by surrendering 70% possession.
Verbruggen made five saves on the night, while Jan Paul van Hecke alone was forced into four tackles, two clearances, two interceptions and three recoveries, alongside six aerial duels and seven ground duels — winning five and four, respectively.
Koeman almost got away with it when Gakpo fired the Netherlands in front. However, the pressure told in the first minute of second-half stoppage time when Issa Diop converted Chemsdine Talbi’s cross.
The Netherlands continued to defend in extra time and were, in the end, outshot 11-6 by Morocco, seemingly playing for penalties.
And that’s where the true punishment came, with the Dutch utterly capitulating from the spot, losing 3-2 after misses from Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Summerville.
It’s jarring to see a Netherlands team be so negative, and it completely backfired on Koeman here.
Gakpo’s magic moment
To call it a ‘tough week’ for Cody Gakpo and his family wouldn’t even come close to describing it. It’s been the worst possible week, with the tragic news of the miscarriage suffered by his wife, Noa van der Bij.
Nevertheless, Gakpo made himself available for the Oranje for this clash with a formidable Morocco side, and as it so often does, football found a way to write the perfect script.
Gakpo came up with another huge moment for the Netherlands, timing his run to perfection and making no mistake with his finish deep into the second half. The Liverpool winger’s reaction after scoring — falling to the ground and emerging from a pile of orange shirts in tears — was completely understandable.
But regardless of circumstance, we shouldn’t be surprised that it was Gakpo who stepped up for the Netherlands when they needed him most. After all, this was the 27-year-old’s sixth World Cup goal, drawing him level with the likes of Arjen Robben, Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie, with only Johnny Rep scoring more (7).
It’s just a shame the goal didn’t send the Netherlands through to the last 16.
The hydration break strikes again
There’s been a lot made of the hydration breaks at this World Cup, with fans in the stadium widely booing them on account of Fifa insisting they be held even in temperate conditions or air-conditioned stadiums — even if it does give them a chance to go into a rendition of Livin’ on a Prayer.
But arguably the biggest complaint has been the effect the breaks have had on the flow of matches, with momentum often swinging one way or the other in a conspicuously short amount of time after the players have gathered to take on fluids and tactical instruction.
That was certainly the case here, and it was the Netherlands who benefited on both occasions.
Morocco were piling immense pressure on the Dutch in the first half, with Bilal El Khannouss and Hakimi both forcing big saves from Verbruggen. Then came the hydration break, which allowed the Dutch to regroup and suddenly seize back control of the game.
The second half was even more egregious, with Morocco once again the dominant force, only to find themselves with their backs against the wall and 1-0 down just four minutes after the hydration break.
A ridiculous inclusion to this tournament that is having a massive effect on the course of each match. But it’s all adding to the drama.
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