On June 29, 2000, Dutch star Patrick Kluivert missed a crucial penalty kick in the semi-finals of the European Championship, ending the Netherlands' run at the point of elimination.
Exactly 26 years later, on almost the same date, the scene was repeated in a shocking way, when Justin Kluivert missed a penalty kick during the round of 32 match of the 2026 World Cup, leading the Dutch national team to face a similar fate of early exit from the tournament
Father and son, separated by decades, but united by a single scenario on almost the same day: a missed penalty kick and a painful end to their continental or global journey
A rare coincidence has reopened old wounds in Dutch football, sparking a wave of comparisons between two generations, as if history has decided to repeat itself in all its harsh details.
Morocco qualified yesterday, Tuesday, for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at the expense of the Netherlands after winning 3-2 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time, in an exciting match in the round of 32.
