Moroccan national team defender Noussair Mazraoui said the victory over the Netherlands in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup was a major recognition for his country as one of the strongest teams in the world.
Morocco, who had fallen behind to a Cody Gakpo goal, equalized 1-1 in stoppage time through Issa Diop, forcing extra time and eventually winning the penalty shootout 3-2.
"The way we managed to win today is a huge recognition for us as a national team, of course," Mazraoui said after the match, according to FIFA's official website, which was monitored.
The Netherlands actually almost won the match after taking the lead through Cody Gakpo's goal in the 72nd minute, but the Oranje's victory was lost in sight right in the first minute of stoppage time when Issa Diop equalized 1-1 for Morocco.
The 1-1 score remained until the end, even 2 x 15 minutes of extra time, forcing the winner to be determined through a penalty shootout.
