Cody Gakpo joins a list of legends, becomes Netherlands 2nd-highest FIFA WC goal-scorer
Guadalape, June 30
Netherlands star Cody Gakpo became his team's second-highest all-time FIFA World Cup scorer, registering a goal during his side's loss to Morocco at Mexico.
After a long stalemate, it was a strike from Gakpo which put the Netherlands in front. The goal held a lot of emotional value to Gakpo, as he was playing in the match despite personal loss, with him and his partner, Noa van der Bij, suffering the loss of their unborn child during pregnancy.
Now, Gakpo has six FIFA World Cup goals, tied with legends Dennis Bergkamp, Wesley Sneijder, Rob Rensenbrink, Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie.
The all-time leading goal-scorer for the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup is Johnny Rep with seven. Gakpo's heroics however were not enough to save his team from elimination.
African giants Morocco kept their FIFA World Cup 2026 dream alive with a thrilling 3-2 penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands after the sides were locked at 1-1 following extra time in a gripping Round of 32 encounter on Monday (local time).
After a tightly contested first half with few clear-cut chances, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 72nd minute.
The Netherlands appeared set to progress until Morocco produced a dramatic response in stoppage time. In the 91st minute, Chemsdine Talbi delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area, where Issa Diop rose highest to power a header past the goalkeeper and level the score at 1-1, silencing the Dutch supporters.
The equaliser shifted the momentum in Morocco's favour, but neither side managed to create a decisive opportunity during the additional 30 minutes of extra time. Both teams remained disciplined defensively, forcing the contest to be settled by penalties.
The shootout proved to be a tense affair. Players from both teams missed two penalties each, while Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou once again demonstrated his penalty-saving reputation by correctly diving to deny Crysencio Summerville.
With the scores level, Ismael Saibari stepped up to take Morocco's decisive penalty and calmly converted, sealing a 3-2 shootout victory and sparking jubilant celebrations among the Moroccan players and fans.
The contest was one of the highest-quality ties of the Round of 32, with Morocco entering the tournament ranked sixth in the FIFA World Rankings and the Netherlands seventh. It was also only the second match of the tournament to be decided by a penalty shootout after Paraguay eliminated Germany earlier on Monday.
Morocco will now face Canada in the first Round of 16 fixture at NRG Stadium on Saturday (local time), as they continue their historic run in the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Morocco played like true champions! Bounou is just phenomenal in penalties - that save from Summerville was world class. As an Indian football fan, I'm loving how smaller nations are stepping up. This World Cup has been full of upsets and drama. Gakpo's goal was class but football is a team game.
Can we talk about the referee? That stoppage time equaliser felt a bit harsh but the Dutch defence was sleeping. Gakpo deserves all the credit - playing through such personal pain shows real character. Makes you think about what Indian players could achieve if they had better support systems.
Honestly, I'm gutted for the Netherlands. Gakpo has been the best Dutch player in this tournament by far. Tied with Bergkamp, Sneijder, Robben, Van Persie? That's insane company. Shows how special this guy is. Morocco was just better on the night though - credit where it's due.
What a match! Morocco deserved it but the Dutch were unlucky with that late equaliser. Gakpo's goal was a beauty - technique, composure, finishing. These are the moments that make football beautiful. India should take notes on how Morocco built their team with diaspora players.
Both teams played so well, it's a shame someone had to go home. 😢 Gakpo is truly special - to achieve so much at such a young age in World Cup tournaments is remarkable. But the Dutch need to work on their penalty taking, missed too many chances in that shootout.