Morocco secured a dramatic victory over the Netherlands in a World Cup last-32 tie, leading to widespread celebrations and some clashes in Dutch cities. The match concluded with a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, with Ismael Saibari scoring the decisive spot-kick for Morocco.
The win sparked joyous early morning celebrations among the Moroccan community in Amsterdam, characterized by car horns and waving flags. However, in The Hague, the atmosphere escalated into confrontations between fans and police, resulting in arrests.
Match Details and Key Moments
The game saw Cody Gakpo put the Netherlands ahead in the 72nd minute. This goal was assisted by Crysencio Summerville. Issa Diop then equalized for Morocco in the 91st minute, heading in a cross from Chemsdine Talbi. Neither team managed to score during the 30 minutes of extra time at Estadio BBVA, leading to a penalty shootout.
During the shootout, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved Summerville’s attempt. Saibari then converted the winning penalty, sending the ball into the low left corner as the Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen moved in the opposite direction. Earlier in the shootout, Verbruggen appeared to stop an attempt by Soufiane Rahimi, but the ball deflected over the line.
Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi commented on the team’s effort, stating, “We give all the energy that we have on the field.” He also noted that Morocco has gained respect, viewing the Netherlands’ counterattacking strategy as a form of respect. The Netherlands coach, Ronald Koeman, mentioned bringing in Justin Kluivert for the shootout, who subsequently missed his penalty.
This marks the third consecutive time the Netherlands has been eliminated from the World Cup in a penalty shootout. Morocco will now advance to face co-host Canada in the Round of 16 in Houston on Saturday. Morocco previously defeated Canada 2-1 in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup.
Community Reactions Across the Netherlands
In Amsterdam, particularly in the west end where there is a significant Moroccan population, celebrations remained peaceful. Cafes adorned with orange flags and bars that stayed open contributed to a festive atmosphere. Fans honked car horns and waved flags, with Dutch fans reportedly congratulating their opponents and pledging support for Morocco for the rest of the tournament. Police presence on Mercatorplein square, a site of past disturbances, did not report any incidents this morning.
In contrast, The Hague experienced unrest following the match. Reports from the Dutch public broadcaster NOS indicated that police were targeted with bottles and fireworks. Regional news station Omroep West stated that at least 10 individuals, believed to be Morocco fans, were arrested after attacking police. The newspaper Algemeen Dagblad also reported four arrests of Morocco fans in Rotterdam.
In The Hague’s Schilderswijk district, a hub for Moroccan-Dutch culture, supporters celebrated by dancing in the streets, setting off fireworks, and gathering at a busy junction. Riot police eventually dispersed the crowd using water cannons and baton charges, leading to approximately 12 arrests. Police reported being pelted with stones during the disturbances.
The match also highlighted discussions around identity and loyalty within the Dutch-Moroccan community. Approximately 440,000 people of Moroccan descent reside in the Netherlands. Before the game, many faced questions about which team they would support. While often good-natured, this sentiment was amplified by political figures. Ibrahim Afellay, a former Dutch international, publicly supported Morocco, explaining his decision. Several members of Morocco’s squad, including Noussair Mazraoui, Sofyan Amrabat, and Anass Salah-Eddine, were born in the Netherlands but chose to represent Morocco.
Morocco is currently ranked sixth in Fifa’s rankings, one place above the Netherlands. They were semi-finalists in the previous World Cup.
The debate on social cohesion is expected to continue, but the camaraderie observed in Amsterdam served as a reminder of positive interactions.
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Source: theguardian.com
