Morocco Issa Partying!

 19/26ths of the World Cup

 

 

 

The Netherlands seldom lose in the World Cup as matches that go into extra time or penalty shootouts count as draws in the record books. They have never won a World Cup, but have finished Runners-up 3 times, and were eliminated in the Quarterfinals in 2022. For Morocco, they hoped to repeat their run in World Cup 2022 where they ran out of steam to finish 4th. Enter the 4th match of the Round of 32 where Morocco would force the Netherlands to play a tight match only finding a 1-0 lead through Cody Gakpo's 72nd minute strike. Morocco would stress their way through the remainder of the match when Issa Diop would tie the game in the 1st minute of 2nd half stoppage time. The extra time periods would be nervy as Morocco looked to score a goal, and Netherlands seemed more inclined to go to penalty kicks. 

Teun Koopmeiners would take the first attempt for Netherlands shooting to the bottom right corner past Yassine Bounou's outstretched arms. Neil El Aynaoui would try to meet Teun's attempt for Morocco. His shot would carom off the bar. Netherlands leads 1-0.

 Justin Kleivert was up next for Netherlands. His shot would hit the left post and out. Soufiane Rahimi would try to level the period for Morocco. He fired to the lower left of the goal where Bart Verbruggen would dive, knock the ball out, and see it roll backwards off his foot and in. Shootout even at 1-1.

 Wout Weghorst would attempt to get Netherlands back on track. He would strike with power to the upper left of the goal. Chemsdine Talbi would go next for Morocco trying to keep pace with Netherlands. He would fire to Bart Verbruggen's right, where the ball would sail past his outstretched hands. 2-2.

Quinten Timber stepped forward looking to put Netherlands back on top. He would fire wide left not even hitting frame. Achraf Hakimi would try to give Morocco their first lead of the night. He would fire to left of goal and see the ball bounce of the post. 2-2.

Cyrsencio Summerville looked to convert his moment of glory. As he fired to the upper left of the goal, Yassine Bounou would stand up straight, step to his right, and swat the ball away from goal. That left Ismael Saibari with his attempt at glory. He aimed for the bottom left of the goal and beat Bart Verbruggen who dove the opposite direction. Morocco advance to face Canada in the Round of 16. Netherlands are going home once again, this time at the soonest point of a World Cup Tournament in their history.

 

 

There were no perfect picks on the day. One player was the sole contestant to pick Brazil, Paraguay, and Morocco to advance to the Round of 16. With 92 points, moving from 7th to 6th, for the second day in a row the top performer is Fortuious.

Three more teams advance tomorrow. Three more teams go home. Another 75 points from picking the right teams to move on available. Get some rest, and duct tape for your brackets.