Morocco defeated the Netherlands on penalties in a dramatic World Cup round of 32 tie to book a last-16 clash against Canada.
Both sides contested a fairly uneventful first half in Monterrey as they struggled to gain control, but it was the Dutch who eventually went ahead thanks to a Cody Gakpo strike in the 72nd minute.
However, Ronald Koeman’s side were unable to press home their advantage and instead invited pressure, and it told late on as Issa Diop nodded in a superb cross fro Chemsdine Talbi to level it in added time.
Neither side was able to wrestle control in extra-time either, and while Morocco had the better of the chances, it went to penalties after a stunning late save from Bert Verbruggen.
However, the Netherlands ‘keeper could not make himself the hero in the shoot-out, with Crysencio Summerville missing the key penalty and Ismael Saibari rolling in the decisive spot-kick to send his side into the round of 16.
Follow all of the latest reaction from Morocco vs Netherlands in the World Cup round of 32 below:
Morocco vs Netherlands live updates
- Morocco knock out Netherlands after dramatic penalty shoot-out
- GOAL! Diop equalises for Morocco (90+1')
- GOAL! Emotional Gakpo opens the scoring (72')
- SAVE! Van de Ven denied Dutch opener (43')
- CLOSE! Hakimi tests Verbruggen early on (19')
Morocco snatch shoot-out victory from jaws of defeat to knock Netherlands out of World Cup
06:05 , Chris Wilson
Morocco beat the Netherlands 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to reach the World Cup last 16 after their knockout tie ended 1-1 following extra time.
Ismael Saibari converted the winning spot kick after Yassine Bounou saved Crysencio Summerville's penalty, sending Morocco through after a dramatic contest in which they had forced extra time with a stoppage-time equaliser.
Morocco's Neil El Aynaoui and Dutch substitute Justin Kluivert missed their attempts before Bart Verbruggen appeared to save Soufiane Rahimi's effort, only for the ball to squirm underneath him and trickle over the line.
Morocco snatch victory from jaws of defeat to knock Netherlands out of World Cup
World Cup 2026 knockout fixtures, results and full tournament bracket
08:30 , Chris Wilson
The 2026 World Cup is into the serious stuff after the group stage, as the knockout rounds begin with a first ever last-32.
The top two sides in each group qualified for knockouts along with the eight best third-place teams. Uruguay and Scotland were among the 16 nations eliminated, while tournament contenders including Spain, France, Argentina, Brazil, England and Germany all topped their groups.
There are 104 matches in North America this summer, up by 40 since the Qatar World Cup in 2022, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo likely to play on this stage for the last time in their glittering careers.
World Cup 2026 knockout fixtures, results and full tournament bracket
The secrets behind the save: How goalkeepers decide World Cup penalty shoot-outs
08:00 , Miguel Delaney
In the midst of one of the most famous World Cup shoot-out interventions of all, with so much focus on him, Tim Krul was only looking to one place. That was into the eyes of the Costa Rica players.
“You can see which ones are more nervous,” Krul smiles. “They’re not able to put the ball where they want.”
So it proved with Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umana, as Krul saved from both to send the Netherlands through to the semi-finals in 2014.
The secrets behind the save: How goalkeepers decide World Cup penalty shoot-outs
Why is Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi being booed at the World Cup?
07:30 , Lawrence Ostlere
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was booed during the World Cup group phase after it was announced he will stand trial in a rape case.
Hours before Morocco’s game against Scotland on 19 June, a French appeals court confirmed that Hakimi will stand trial in a rape case.
The PSG defender, who was part of the French side’s Champions League glory in May, had appealed a February decision by an investigative judge. That ruling followed recommendations from public prosecutors that Hakimi should face trial.
Why is Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi being booed at the World Cup?
Paraguay president declares national holiday after World Cup triumph over Germany
07:00 , Kieran Jackson
Paraguay president Santiago Pena has declared a national holiday after the national football team caused a massive World Cup upset by beating Germany in the last-32.
The South Americans, who sneaked through to the knockouts after finishing as a best-placed third-place team, confined the Germans to their first-ever defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout.
Julio Enciso headed Paraguay into a first-half lead before Kai Havertz equalised in the second-half. Germany thought they’d scored a second in extra-time via Jonathan Tah’s header but it was ruled out after a controversial VAR review.
Paraguay president declares national holiday after World Cup triumph over Germany
Julian Nagelsmann confirms stance over Germany future after World Cup exit
06:30 , Chris Wilson
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has ruled out resigning from his post after his side’s dramatic loss to Paraguay in the World Cup round of 32, saying that he will lead the team at Euro 2028 if the German FA want him to.
Die Mannschaft were unconvincing in the group stages of the World Cup but finished top of Group E and despite their loss to Ecuador in their final game, they were heavy favourites as they faced Paraguay in Boston.
However, a first-half goal from Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead and while Kai Havertz eventually equalised with a header in normal time, the Germans didn’t have enough to produce a win at the end of 120 minutes, while they did have a extra-time goal controversially disallowed after a VAR review.
Julian Nagelsmann confirms stance over Germany future after World Cup exit
Germany face crisis after shock World Cup exit to Paraguay on penalties
06:15 , Chris Wilson
Germany suffered a brutal World Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Paraguay to end the four-time world champions’ tournament in Boston.
After suffering from a controversial VAR call in extra-time, to chalk off Jonathan Tah’s goal, which would have seen Julian Nagelsmann’s side go 2-1 in front, the last 32 tie went to penalties, with misses from Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Tah enough to succumb to a 4-3 shoot-out loss.
The result leaves Nagelsmann on the brink, with immense pressure on the manager after speculation over his future entering the tournament.
Germany face crisis after shock World Cup exit to Paraguay on penalties
Carlo Ancelotti’s old habit inspires dramatic Brazil comeback to break Japan hearts
05:50 , Chris Wilson
So this was what Brazil hired Carlo Ancelotti to bring. The Italian won the Champions League three times with Real Madrid. Each brought a crucial injury-time goal in either the semi-final or the final; at times more than one.
And so, as Bruno Guimaraes pierced the Japan defence and Gabriel Martinelli angled a 95th-minute shot into the far corner of the net, the manager with the lowest heart rate in football had seen it all before.
Ancelotti can be the king of cool, the man who does not panic. His capacity for calm thinking in pressurised situations nevertheless contributed to a comeback that extends Brazil’s hope of gaining a sixth star on their shirts. Two of his changes had a catalytic effect: first introducing Endrick for Lucas Paqueta at half-time, giving Brazil a greater attacking threat, and then summoning Martinelli to replace Matheus Cunha.
Ancelotti’s old habit inspires dramatic Brazil comeback to break Japan hearts
World Cup Insider: Get a matchday briefing from our writers in the US, Canada and Mexico
05:40 , Chris Wilson
The biggest tournament in football is finally here.
Over six weeks, 48 nations will battle it out across the United States, Canada and Mexico, producing unforgettable moments, dramatic upsets, tactical masterclasses and plenty of controversy along the way.
But with matches taking place across multiple time zones and headlines arriving around the clock, keeping up with everything that matters will be a challenge.
That's where our World Cup Insider newsletter comes in.
Landing in your inbox every morning throughout the tournament, World Cup Insider is your essential guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Designed to cut through the noise, it brings together the key stories, standout moments and expert analysis you need to stay on top of the action.
World Cup Insider: Get a matchday briefing from our football writers
World Cup 2026 power rankings: Argentina and France lead charge heading into knockouts
05:30 , Chris Wilson
The 2026 World Cup is storming towards the knockout stages after this year’s bumper 48-team tournament had its first culling.
After a build-up that centred on controversy, greed and conflict, fans have been captivated by some enthralling performances and disappointed by others, with the likes of France and holders Argentina stamping their marks as rightful favourites, while England, Portugal and Brazil have all made slight missteps.
But the group stage is only the beginning - history will be written on the road to the final, with 32 remaining teams now raring to sink their teeth into the drama of knockouts football.
Here’s how every team in the knockout stages stacks up in The Independent’s World Cup 2026 power rankings, delving deeper into the top 10:
World Cup 2026 power rankings: Argentina and France lead charge heading to knockouts
In pics: Morocco celebrate another historic win
05:20 , Chris Wilson
World Cup round of 32 fixtures
05:16 , Chris Wilson
And here’s the list of the remaining fixtures in the last 32:
(all times BST)
Tuesday, 30 June
- Ivory Coast vs Norway, kick-off 6pm - Arlington, USA
- France vs Sweden, kick-off 10pm - New Jersey, USA
Wednesday, 1 July
- Mexico vs Ecuador, kick-off 2am - Mexico City, Mexico
- England vs DR Congo, kick-off 5pm - Atlanta, USA
- Belgium vs Senegal, kick-off 9pm - Seattle, USA
Thursday, 2 July
- USA vs Bosnia kick-off 1am - Santa Clara, USA
- Spain vs Austria, kick-off 8pm - Los Angeles, USA
Friday, 3 July
- Portugal vs Croatia, kick-off 12am - Toronto, Canada
- Switzerland vs Algeria, kick-off 4am - Vancouver, Canada
- Australia vs Egypt, kick-off 7pm - Arlington, USA
- Argentina vs Cape Verde, kick-off 11pm - Miami, USA
Saturday, 4 July
- Colombia vs Ghana, kick-off 2.30am - Kansas City, USA
World Cup round of 32 results
05:12 , Chris Wilson
Here’s the full list of results from the round if 32 so far then:
Sunday, 28 June
Monday, 29 June
Germany 1-1 Paraguay (3-4 pens.)
Netherlands 1-1 Morocco (2-3 pens.)
'You are gutted for all the Netherlands players'
05:08 , Chris Wilson
“You would probably have liked this to be a quarter-final or semi-final, but you have to play,” said Clinton Morrison as he continued on BBC 5 Live.
“I never thought Saibari was going to miss it. He is full of confidence and it was a good penalty.
“You are gutted for all the Netherlands players but credit to Morocco,” he added.
Next up
05:05 , Chris Wilson
That win means Morocco will face co-hosts Canada in the round of 16 in Houston on 4 July.
That one kicks off at 6pm BST, with the winner set to face one of Paraguay, France or Sweden in the quarter-finals!
Next up
05:05 , Chris Wilson
That win means Morocco will face co-hosts Canada in the round of 16 in Houston on 4 July.
That one kicks off at 6pm BST, with the winner set to face one of Paraguay, France or Sweden in the quarter-finals!
'It wasn't the best of shootouts'
05:02 , Chris Wilson
“It wasn't the best of shootouts to be fair and it can happen like that. It is disappointing for the Netherlands,” says former Ireland striker Clinton Morrison on BBC 5 Live.
“Crysencio Summerville is getting consoled by everyone. The penalties weren't good.
“I don't like this stuttering run-up. Just go and put your foot through it. Credit to Morocco, you wish them all the best,” he added.
MOROCCO BEAT NETHERLANDS ON PENALTIES
04:58 , Chris Wilson
Very harsh on some of those Dutch players, particularly Bert Verbruggen, who was great and was so unlucky not to save that spot-kick that crept underneath him.
The result goes to Morocco though, and it’s another famous night at the World Cup for the Atlas Lions.
MOROCCO BEAT NETHERLANDS ON PENALTIES
04:56 , Chris Wilson
PENALTIES! Netherlands 2-3 Morocco
04:54 , Chris Wilson
GOAL! SAIBARI WINS IT FOR MOROCCO!
The man who’s been one of the heroes of the tournament so far for the Atlas Lions steps up and confidently rolls his penalty in past Verbruggen, who went the wrong way.
Morocco are into the last 16, where they’ll face Morocco in Houston on 4 July!
PENALTIES! Netherlands 2-2 Morocco
04:53 , Chris Wilson
SAVED!
Into the last of the five penalties for each side now. It’s Summerville to take for the Dutch...
He starts centrally, stutters...and hits a poor effort that Bounou gets a hand to to keep out!
It all comes down to this for Morocco...
PENALTIES! Netherlands 2-2 Morocco
04:51 , Chris Wilson
MISSED!
INCREDIBLE! Hakimi steps up and he’s the next player to rifle a low penalty against the base of the post!
PENALTIES! Netherlands 2-2 Morocco
04:50 , Chris Wilson
MISSED!
Timber is up next but it’s a poor effort. It’s scuffed wide of the post!
PENALTIES! Netherlands 2-2 Morocco
04:50 , Chris Wilson
GOAL!
The third penalty for Morocco, and Talbi steps up. It’s another brilliant spot-kick too, side-footed into the corner and past Verbruggen, who guessed right but couldn’t get near it.
PENALTIES! Netherlands 2-1 Morocco
04:49 , Chris Wilson
GOAL!
Weghorst up next and it’s a brilliant penalty, fired high and into the roof of the net! No chance for Bounou there.
PENALTIES! Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:48 , Chris Wilson
GOAL!
Oh, this is so unlucky for Verbruggen!
Rahimi hits a tame effort and the Dutch ‘keeper guesses correctly, but as he saves it it bounces back off his foot and over the line!
PENALTIES! Netherlands 1-0 Morocco
04:47 , Chris Wilson
MISSED!
Another one off the woodwork! Kluivert scuffs his effort a little bit and it bounces off the post! A let-off for Morocco potentially.
PENALTIES! Netherlands 1-0 Morocco
04:46 , Chris Wilson
MISSED!
El Aynaoui steps up and rifles it high, but it cannons back off the bar! Relief for Verbruggen and the Dutch!
PENALTIES! Netherlands 1-0 Morocco
04:45 , Chris Wilson
Teun Koopmeiners steps up first for the Netherlands.
It’s a superb effort, arrowed directly into the side-netting. Bounou guessed right but could do nothing about that.
FULL-TIME! Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:44 , Chris Wilson
A reminder that Morocco won a penalty shoot-out on their way to the semi-finals in 2022, beating Spain in the round of 16.
The Dutch lost their only shoot-out in Qatar, crashing out to eventual champions Argentina.
We’ve had the toss and the Dutch will take first.
FULL-TIME! Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:42 , Chris Wilson
The two sets of players go through the usual team talk and stretches as they prepare for a penalty shootout.
FULL-TIME! Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:40 , Chris Wilson
There’a almost a chance for Sumemrville but he’s beaten in the footrace in the end and that is the final action of extra-time!
We’re heading to penalties in Monterrey!
EXTRA-TIME: Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:39 , Chris Wilson
120 +1 mins
Saibari needs to change his shirt as he’s had a blow to the face and is bleeding. This will delay the final whistle a bit, but he’s had to come off.
EXTRA-TIME: Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:38 , Chris Wilson
120 mins
Not long left now as the Netherlands venture into the Morocco half tentatively. Very little in terms of chances in this second half of extra-time.
The Dutch launch it loing but Morocco clear it up and there might be a final chance to get it into the box...
There’s not, as Hakimi can’t control it!
Into just one minute of added time as penalties loom...
EXTRA-TIME: Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:35 , Chris Wilson
117 mins
Summerville is okay to carry on as we approach the final few minutes. Any goal now would surely win it.
EXTRA-TIME: Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:33 , Chris Wilson
115 mins
Another break in play here as Salah-Eddine goes flying in on Summerville and the Dutchman needs treatment.
EXTRA-TIME: Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:31 , Chris Wilson
113 mins
The ball does come into the area but Gakpo is under too much pressure and he can’t keep it under control in the air. The Dutchman might be forced off here too as he pulls up after stretching to reach the ball.
That is indeed his last involvement, and he’s replaced by Justin Kluivert. He’d be an instant hero tonight if he could replicate some of his father’s World Cup heroics.
EXTRA-TIME: Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:29 , Chris Wilson
112 mins
Morocco are still controlling possession as Talbi races into space on the left but sees his cross cleared.
Gakpo does well to relieve the pressure on his side and win a free-kick near halfway. This one will surely be pumped into the box!
EXTRA-TIME: Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:27 , Chris Wilson
110 mins
The Netherlands bring on Marten de Roon for de Jong. One last throw of the dice it seems.
EXTRA-TIME: Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:25 , Chris Wilson
107 mins
Morocco threaten to get in behind with a simple long ball forward but it’s cleared before it becomes a problem.
KICK-OFF! Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:23 , Chris Wilson
Just the short break in play and we’re back underway.
HALF-TIME! Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:19 , Chris Wilson
105 mins
The Netherlands might be able to fashion a chance late on here as a long throw comes in...but it’s headed away and the referee blows the whistle for half-time in extra-time.
EXTRA-TIME: Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:17 , Chris Wilson
103 mins
Rahimi will be gutted when he sees the replays of that Verbruggen save. He has to be scoring that, especially from that distance.
Morocco have all the ball at the moment but the Dutch are standing strong for now.
EXTRA-TIME: Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:15 , Chris Wilson
101 mins
That save has handed the Netherlands a lifeline, but Morocco are full of belief here.
The Dutch are content to sit back at the moment, but that was their undoing earlier.
EXTRA-TIME: Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:12 , Chris Wilson
96 mins
SAVE! How has Verbruggen stopped that!? It is a vital, incredible stop from the Netherlands ‘keeper!
Morocco work it well with some quick two-touch football on the edge of the box and it’s slipped to Rahimi, who dummies to take it past a sliding challenge.
He’s 1-v-1 with Verbruggen and looks certain to score but the goalkeeper makes himself big and manages to stop it going in with the help of his foot and a hand!
Rahimi has his hands on his head in disbelief.
EXTRA-TIME: Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:06 , Chris Wilson
92 mins
The Netherlands have started as the more positive of the two sides, though thugh their latest venture into the Morocco box ends with a foul being given.
KICK-OFF! Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:04 , Chris Wilson
We’re underway in extra-time!
FULL-TIME! Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:03 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
04:02 , Chris Wilson
We’re going to have another 30 minutes in Monterrey at the end of what was a breathless lat 20 minutes or so.
Neither side really deserved to lose in the first 90, so we’ll have another 30 (at least) to settle it.
FULL-TIME! Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
03:59 , Chris Wilson
90 +6 mins
Is there time for a final chance? The Netherlands look to launch a long throw into the box...
It comes to nothing and we’re going to extra-time!
Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
03:58 , Chris Wilson
90 +5 mins
The Netherlands have a 3-v-3 late on as it’s nodded to Summerville! He races towards the box...but there’s a superb sliding challenge to prevent him from taking the shot at the last moment!
Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
03:55 , Chris Wilson
90 +4 mins
Summerville is brought down and the Netherlands can swing it in from distance. They do, but it’s out for a goal kick.
Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
03:54 , Chris Wilson
90 +3 mins
Is there time for someone to grab a winner? We’re into the third of six added minutes as Morocco go searching.
GOAL! Netherlands 1-1 Morocco (Diop, 90 +1)
03:54 , Chris Wilson
90 +1 mins
GOAL! Morocco are back in it!
It’s an excellent goal too, with a great cross whipped in from the left and Diop ghosting in between van Dijk and van Hecke before glancing in a brilliant header to level it!
Netherlands 1-0 Morocco
03:50 , Chris Wilson
87 mins
Almost another opening for Gakpo but his touch in the box lets him down a bit and his cross is put behind.
Koopmeiners delivers the corner but it’s headed away.
Netherlands 1-0 Morocco
03:49 , Chris Wilson
86 mins
Plenty of celebration from the Dutch here as van Dijk makes a perfectly timed challenge on Saibari and wins a free-kick in the process, just outside his own area.
The Netherlands make two more subs, as Gravenberch and van de Ven make way for Quentin Timber and Jorrel Hato.
Morocco bring on Rahimi for Ounahi.
Netherlands 1-0 Morocco
03:46 , Chris Wilson
83 mins
A Dutch counter-attack breaks down as Gakpo can’t find Summerville on the opposite wing.
Morocco come forward but the Netherlands are holding firm for now, and there’s no hesitation to leave players back.
Not too long left for the Atlas Lions to find an equaliser!
Summerville is down at the other end in the area but again his protests are waved away.
Netherlands 1-0 Morocco
03:44 , Chris Wilson
81 mins
There’s a break in play as Gravenberch needs treatment. We’re back underway with Morocco in possession, though a through ball aimed at El Mourabet makes its way to Verbruggen.
Netherlands 1-0 Morocco
03:41 , Chris Wilson
79 mins
Two changes for Morocco here, as Diaz and Bouaddi come off for Yassine and El Mourabet. Salah-Eddine also replaced Riad moments ago.
Netherlands 1-0 Morocco
03:40 , Chris Wilson
77 mins
Morocco come forward again and a good cross is clipped in but Dumfries does enough to shepherd his man away from the incoming ball.
Netherlands 1-0 Morocco
03:38 , Chris Wilson
76 mins
What a moment that was for Gakpo! Can the Netherlands hold on now?
Morocco come forward but the Dutch are happy to sit back now and they’re forced backwards.
GOAL! Netherlands 1-0 Morocco (Gakpo, 73')
03:37 , Chris Wilson
73 mins
GOAL! Cody Gakpo has broken the deadlock!
The Netherlands launch a quick counter and it’s flicked on to Summerville, who races into the Morocco half towards the area.
He’s eventually brought down but he has the composure to flick a pass sideways to Gakpo, who makes a clever run and manages to fire past Bounou to open the scoring!
The Dutchman’s teammates embrace him and he’s in tears as he celebrates.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
03:34 , Chris Wilson
70 mins
Back underway in Monterrey. Plenty on the line in these last 20 minutes, though we could be heading for extra-time!
The Dutch make two changes, with Wout Weghorst and Teun Koopmeiners on for Ake and Brobbey.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
03:29 , Chris Wilson
Into the second hydration break of the game and the Netherlands are struggling a bit in Monterrey.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
03:29 , Chris Wilson
65 mins
A few subs are warming up for the Netherlands now. They need changes.
Summerville went down under a challenge from Noussair Mazraoui – who was last man – but the ref waved it away.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
03:26 , Chris Wilson
62 mins
CLOSE! The third corner is a better one and it causes problems, with Dumfries accidentally flicking it towards goal and Verbruggen just about managing to keep it out. He didn’t know a lot about it.
The fourth corner sees Hakimi clip the cross beyond everyone in the box.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
03:24 , Chris Wilson
62 mins
Brilliant play from Saibari as he receives the ball on the turn before clipping it over the onrushing van Hecke. He gets to the byline but sees his cross turned behind for a corner.
Morocco have a succession of corners but the first two are cleared behind.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
03:20 , Chris Wilson
57 min
El Khannouss sees a good cross headed away before he fizzes in a shot that takes a big deflection. Verbruggen is equal to it though.
Morocco are just starting to dominate again here.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
03:18 , Chris Wilson
55 mins
What a tackle this is.
Hakimi thinks he’s clean through as he latches onto the trhough ball into the Netherlands box, but just as he’s about to pull the trigger van de ven comes flying in with a perfectly timed slide tackle to close the door.
The Morocco man gets up and acknowledges the quality of the tackle with a handshake.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
03:17 , Chris Wilson
54 mins
Lovely stuff from Summerville to skip past a few challenges and keep possession, but Gakpo’s attempted cross is mis-hit and rolls out for a goal kick.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
03:15 , Chris Wilson
51 mins
OFF THE BAR! What a chance this was!
Hakimi is sent clean through after a great pass from Ounahi. The angle is tight and he could try and cross it to set up the tap in but he goes himself, rifling a powerful effort past Verbruggen that cannons off the bar!
He might have been offside anyway but he probably should have tried to square it.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
03:10 , Chris Wilson
47 mins
The first yellow card of the day goes to Diop as he drags down his man.
The free-kick is whipped in but a team header makes its way to Bounou.
Morocco work it well at the other end but there’s not a lot of space and Bouaddi curls one over.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
03:07 , Chris Wilson
We’re back underway in this round of 32 tie.
HALF-TIME! Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
03:04 , Chris Wilson
It’s not been a classic in Monterrey but it’s become more interesting as the game went on, and both sides have threatened at times.
Morocco will be the happier of the two sides but it’s been attritional so far, and you get the sense this one will be decided by one moment of quality or a slip-up from either side. It’s going to be close!
We’ll be back underway shortly.
HALF-TIME! Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:58 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:52 , Chris Wilson
That’s more or less the last action of the half as the referee blows the whistle for half-time in Monterrey.
It didn’t start off as a great game but it’s become an intriguing contest in the last 25 minutes or so, and Morocco will feel the more confident as they head to the dressing rooms.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:51 , Chris Wilson
45 +5 mins
CLOSE!
There’ll be a late free-kick in a dangerous area on the wing for Morocco as van de Ven commits a foul.
Hakimi delivers the set-piece and he fizzes a great delivery to the back post - it escapes all of the Dutch defenders and Saibari narrowly misses it at the back post! It would have been a tap in!
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:49 , Chris Wilson
45 +3 mins
And another chance for Morocco allmost right away as the loose ball bounces to Ounahi, who sees the space open up in front of him before rifling an effort narrowly over the bar!
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:47 , Chris Wilson
45 +2 mins
Almost a promising opening for Saibari but his touch lets him down as he misses out on latching onto the through ball in the area. He’d have been clean through!
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:45 , Chris Wilson
45 mins
There’a a delay in taking the corner after plenty of tussling in the Morroco box.
It comes in eventually but Brobbey is penalised for obstructing Bounou.
Into the first of six minutes of added time in Monterrey.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:44 , Chris Wilson
43 mins
The Netherlands clip a couple of good balls forward towards Dumfries and Sumerville but Morocco do well top recover and clear before van de Ven sees his effort deflected over from distance.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:40 , Chris Wilson
40 mins
Quite a nasty blow there for van Hecke, who was hit in the head by a defender’s knee as he went to ground when tussling in the box for that corner. The sort of challenge that could require concussion protocols.
He seems to be okay to carry on though.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:38 , Chris Wilson
38 mins
The Netherlands win a corner and Summerville delivers it to the back post, but Dumfries sees his header deflected over.
Another set-piece, and this one is clipped to a similar area, but the Dutch are forced back into their own half.
We’ve now got a brief break in play as van Hecke needs treatment for a knee to the head.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:36 , Chris Wilson
35 mins
There’s a brief break for a VAR check as the ball might have brushed the hand of Bouaddi, but it’s waved away.
It’s almost impossible to tell if it did hit the hand.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:34 , Chris Wilson
33 mins
A little bit of a lull in activity now as both sides struggle to regain rhythm since the hydration break.
A few sloppy exchanges of possession but the Netherlands do work an opening, Dumfries sliding it into the path of Summerville before the winger is dispossessed in the box.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:31 , Chris Wilson
31 mins
Morocco certainly look the better of the two sides now, with the Netherlands arguably struggling a little.
The Atlas Lions spread it wide and Saibari tries to make inroads into the box but ends up losing control of it before conceding a free-kick.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:29 , Chris Wilson
28 mins
Some controversy here as Ounahi goes flying into van Hecke and leads with his elbow.
The Netherlands are furious but he gets away with it, as there wasn’t a lot in it.
Morocco get started again and they work another decent opening, with El Khannouss putting in a good cross that none of his teammates took a gamble on.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:25 , Chris Wilson
25 mins
We’re back underway in Monterrey. It’s not been a classic so far but those Morocco chances mean the game might have sprung into life!
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:22 , Chris Wilson
21 mins
Into the first hydration break of the game after that little flurry of activity from Morocco.
It’s apparently 28 degrees in Monterrey, so this break might be one of the necessary ones.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:21 , Chris Wilson
19 mins
SAVE! The first real chance of the game.
It’s Morocco’s turn to enjoy a bit of possession, and El Khannouss does well to win a corner.
It’s whipped in and El Aynaoui makes a clever run to glance it goalwards at the near post, but Verbruggen makes a great reaction save to keep it level!
Moments later, Morocco come again and it’s laid off to Hakimi, who rifles an effort that forces another good stop from the Dutch ‘keeper.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:16 , Chris Wilson
15 mins
Plenty of possession for the Dutch but no real penetration to their play so far.
A long ball forward – which seems key to their plans today – finds Summerville racing down the right, but he can’t square it to Brobbey. No matter though, as one of them is flagged offside.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:12 , Chris Wilson
12 mins
Another player is lucky to avoid a yellow card as Diop goes flying in a little late.
No chances of note yet but the Netherlands are starting to impose themselves.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:08 , Chris Wilson
9 mins
Good work from Dumfries initially on the right but he’s prevented from getting into the box by a good sliding tackle, before Gravenberch concedes a soft free-kick.
The Dutch are seeing more of the ball but neither side is managing to take control yet in this one.
There’s a small scuffle between Saibari and van Hecke after a high foot from the former, though both escape without a booking.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:06 , Chris Wilson
6 mins
Morocco’s first venture into the final third ends with Hakimi clipping a cross over his teammates in the box.
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:04 , Chris Wilson
4 mins
The set-piece is headed away and Morocco can regroup. The Atlas Lions have barely seen the ball yet, but they do win a free-kick to set up their first spell of possession.
Under four per cent possession for the African side in that first four minutes or so!
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:02 , Chris Wilson
2 mins
The Netherlands seeing plenty of the ball in the opening stages, and their first foray forward ends in a corner.
KICK-OFF! Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
02:00 , Chris Wilson
We’re underway in Monterrey! This one could be a cracker.
Morocco vs Netherlands live
01:57 , Chris Wilson
A reminder that the winner of this tie will face co-hosts Canada in the round of 16. That match will take place in Houston on 4 July.
Morocco vs Netherlands live
01:55 , Chris Wilson
Just five minutes until kick-off now as both sets of players take to the pitch in Monterrey.
We’ve already had a World Cup classic this evening, so what else do we have in store? We’re about to find out.
The Morocco blueprint helping to rewrite World Cup history for Africa
01:51 , Richard Jolly
Walid Regragui signed off from the World Cup with a mission statement for the future. A pragmatist tactically but a dreamer when he spoke, the first manager to take an African country to a World Cup semi-final seemed to specialise in inspirational oratory.
As Morocco’s 2022 campaign ended in fourth place, their manager said: “We want to give our children the footballing DNA and one day we will be able to win the World Cup. You build that DNA gradually so that one day a team that can achieve the dream of all Africans. Morocco has shown African teams can go toe to toe.”
At the time, it was tempting to wonder if Morocco’s surge had been a stirring one-off. They had got past Belgium and Croatia, Spain and Portugal; equally, they had only scored two goals in their last four games in Qatar. Wonderfully as they defended, they benefited from others’ attacking failures.
The Morocco blueprint helping to rewrite World Cup history for Africa
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
