Holland's fall: Morocco eliminates them on penalties with Bounou the hero

The giants are falling. After Germany, another European heavyweight heads home in the round of 16: Netherlands, eliminated by Morocco on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Monterrey. And with a name that sends shivers down Spanish fans' spines: Yassine Bounou.

The match. Oranje had victory in their grasp until stoppage time. Cody Gakpo, after weeks to forget, scored the most important goal of his career to put Netherlands ahead. But just before the final whistle, Issa Diop headed the equaliser for a Morocco that refused to give up. In extra time, no goals: straight to penalties.

Bounou, the executioner returns. In the shootout, Bart Verbruggen saved one for Netherlands, but facing him was Bono: the Moroccan goalkeeper saved two penalties and sent the Atlas Lions into the last eight. A carbon copy of what he did to Spain in Qatar 2022. This lad has made a career out of breaking European hearts from the spot.

Morocco keeps dreaming. The 2022 semifinalists confirm that wasn't a fluke: they're the penalty shootout bogeymen once again and will face Canada in the round of 16. For Netherlands, meanwhile, another European disappointment to add to Germany's: a dark day for old continent football.

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