United States’ security chief Markwayne Mullin said he “danced a happy dance” when Iran were eliminated from the World Cup.

The Iranian team exited the tournament in heartbreaking fashion when they were denied a late winner against Egypt by VAR, which deemed goalscorer Shoja Khalilzadeh’s toes offside.

The 1-1 draw saw Iran finish third in Group G, and they narrowly missed out on one of eight spots in the knockout rounds for third-placed teams, falling short on goal difference.

Mullin, who runs the US Department of Homeland Security, told reporters: “I’m just glad they’re done, and they’re not coming back. I was so happy when we were able to pull their visas and said they could leave the US soil, and I might’ve sung a song or two or maybe even danced a happy dance.’

He added: “There wasn’t a single team that we had to spend more time dealing with than Iran.”

The Iranian team’s preparations for World Cup games have been affected by international relations between the countries.

Iran were forced to move their training base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, and the squad was only allowed to enter the US the day before its first two matches in Los Angeles, and two days before the final game in Seattle. They were made to return to Mexico immediately after each match had finished. Some staff members were denied visas to enter America.

Mullin also accused the Iranian delegation of trying to sneak a person tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps into the United States. The Iran Football Federation called the claim “false, fabricated and entirely baseless.”

Responding to Mullin’s latest remarks, a spokesperson for the federation said: “Iranians are used to the mistreatment and lies of US officials, so no one in Iran is surprised by these hostile remarks. These remarks once again demonstrate that US officials have no commitment to international law or the principles expected of a host nation capable of organising a global sporting event.

“The fact that he openly celebrates Iran’s elimination says far more about him than it does about our team. It reflects a level of pettiness that cannot even tolerate the presence of a football team competing on the world’s biggest stage.

“After our match against New Zealand, our head coach said that the United States did not want Iran to remain in this tournament because of the inhumane and unprofessional treatment our team experienced. These latest comments only reinforce that belief.”

Referring to the bombing of a school in the Iranian town of Minab in February, which Donald Trump blamed on Iran, the spokesperson added: “When they kill 168 children and lie to the whole world about it, nothing this person says is surprising to any of us.”

Reuters reported in March that an initial internal US military assessment found American forces were likely responsible for the strike. The Pentagon has since elevated the investigation but has not publicly confirmed any conclusions. The New York Times reported that the investigation determined the US was responsible for the missile strike.

Baker Mayfield has been down this path — almost exactly the same one — so when he talked about Kyler Murray’s upcoming season last week, folks listened.

The Minnesota Vikings signed Murray in March after the Arizona Cardinals gave up on him, and, according to Mayfield, a former college teammate, it’s all going to work out in Minnesota.

Oklahoma Bond Gives Murray’s Vikings Reset More Weight

Mayfield on Murray

Mayfield delivered his Murray takes at youth football camp in Oklahoma over the weekend. “I’m happy for him, and I think it’s going to be great. Coming from someone who has been in a similar situation where you think you’re going to be somewhere forever and just needing a new change of scenery,” he said.

“I think this fresh start for him is going to be amazing. Kyler gets a bad wrap. People want to put a certain persona on him. Luckily, we get him early in the season before he gets too hot.”

It’s mounting momentum from players and fans, who believe the Murray experiment will flourish in the Twin Cities.

Of All People, Mayfield Would Know

There is no better source for this assertion than Mayfield. Full stop.

Murray’s career arc right now absolutely resembles Mayfield’s — and might even be starting from a better spot. In 2022, the Cleveland Browns tossed Mayfield in the garbage, opting for Deshaun Watson, a decision that turned out to be a trainwreck.

Mayfield bounced around between the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams before landing in Tampa Bay in 2023, when he took a few months to reestablish himself as a Top 15 (or so) quarterback. Mayfield is no longer a joke, and in fact, has his eyes on a massive contract extension.

Murray can follow this path and might even skip the unsuccessful Panthers-Rams chapters that plagued Mayfield.

Teammates at Oklahoma

At Oklahoma, the dynamic between Mayfield and Kyler was a crucible, an “iron sharpening iron” scenario that ultimately yielded a Heisman Trophy.

Mayfield arrived as the undisputed heart and soul of the program — loud, fearless, emotional, and supremely confident in his ability to win every Saturday. Murray, a former five-star transfer, brought unholy athletic skills, baseball hype, and enough talent to make any quarterback room uneasy.

For two seasons, Murray had to patiently observe and fiercely compete behind one of college football’s all-time great quarterbacks. What could have easily become a volatile situation instead transformed into an incredibly intense learning experience. Mayfield set the standard with his preparation, his swagger, and his masterful execution of Lincoln Riley’s offense. Murray absorbed everything, pushed Mayfield, and remained ready.

By 2017, it was clear that Oklahoma housed both its current star and its future one. Mayfield completely owned his moment, and in doing so, taught Murray how to own the one that would come next.

On the other hand, Pro Football Network‘s Zahid Rashid recently explained some of the critiques of Murray throughout his NFL career: “Following his lone playoff appearance in 2021, Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension with Arizona the following offseason. The deal included a controversial independent-study clause requiring him to complete 4 hours of film study each week, without distractions such as television or video games.”

“The clause quickly became a national talking point. Fans mocked Murray, suggesting the Cardinals included it because they questioned his work ethic or believed he spent more time playing video games than preparing for football. Murray later called the criticism disrespectful during an impromptu press conference, and the Cardinals soon removed the clause.”

Vikings coaches and players have noted for four months that Murray does not fit an aloof or lazy persona.

Rashid continued, “Even so, the episode left a lasting mark on his public image. Now entering a new chapter with Minnesota, Murray will look to prove that the criticism does not define his career, something Mayfield clearly believes he can do.”

“However, the road will not be easy, as he enters training camp in a battle with J.J. McCarthy for the Vikings’ starting quarterback job.”

Less than 11 Weeks until Showtime

The Vikings’ season gets underway in 76 days, hosting the Green Bay Packers on September 13th. Murray will immediately face his former head coach, Jonathan Gannon, who now runs the Packers’ defense.

Murray, of course, still has to win the summer quarterback competition against J.J. McCarthy, but per Mayfield’s assessment, that will happen and may not even be difficult.

Oddsmakers expect the Vikings to win eight or nine games in 2026, putting them in contention for a Wildcard postseason berth. Murray has the league’s third-best odds to win the Comeback Player of the Year award, trailing Patrick Mahomes and Jayden Daniels.

Murray will turn 29 in August.

Mayfield and Murray will clash on September 27th in Tampa Bay.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Atlantic City, New Jersey, is far from the shining casino resort capital of the East Coast that it used to be.

Sure, there are still great hotels and casinos left in the city and the beach, unlike most in New Jersey, is still free. But crime and corruption have changed the perception of the city over the years.

COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL

Grayson Waller and Austin Theory address the crowd during SmackDown at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 23, 2024. (WWE/Getty Images)

WWE star Grayson Waller took advantage of that.

Atlantic City’s iconic Boardwalk Hall played host to “Monday Night Raw” and a taping of “Friday Night SmackDown.” Waller posted a video of himself running on the beach on social media and dubbed the beach town the “saddest city in America.”

“I’ve been to a lot in America but Atlantic City, New Jersey, might just be the saddest,” the Australian heel said. “It’s like Las Vegas for people who have given up on life. But it’s Monday morning. Technically, I’m at a beach – an American version of a beach.

A man walks past a Ferris wheel’s reflection on the beach at sunset in Atlantic City, N.J., on Sept. 5, 2020, as the state continues Stage 2 of reopening following coronavirus restrictions. (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)

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“While the rest of the Raw roster is sleeping in, I’m out here getting after it. I don’t want to end up like one of these people who has to vacation in Atlantic City, New Jersey. So sad.”

While it might feel like that for some, fellow WWE star Matt Cardona had different memories of Atlantic City.

Cardona performed for Game Changer Wrestling at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City. The promotion would turn the hotel’s ballroom into a wrestling ring and put on some memorable matches on the independent scene.

Grayson Waller celebrates his win during SmackDown at KFC YUM! Center in Louisville, Ky., on June 7, 2024. (WWE/Getty Images)

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“Back in Atlantic City tonight for @WWE. Matt Cardona, the man, was born on Long Island. Matt Cardona, the pro wrestler, was born in AC!” he wrote on X.

Germany and the Netherlands, crash out in the opening knockout round. (AP Photo)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has produced a historic first, with two teams ranked inside the top 10 of the FIFA World Rankings being eliminated in the opening knockout round for the first time in the tournament’s history. Germany, ranked No. 10, and the Netherlands, ranked No. 8, both saw their campaigns come to an end on penalties, making the Round of 32 one of the most dramatic knockout stages the competition has witnessed. Germany’s disappointing run at major tournaments continued after Paraguay stunned the four-time world champions in a penalty shootout. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Germany believing they had found the winner in the 101st minute when Jonathan Tah headed home from a corner. However, after a VAR review, referee Jalal Jayed ruled out the goal, deciding that defender Waldemar Anton had impeded Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the build-up. The decision forced the contest into penalties, where Paraguay held their nerve to win 5-3. The defeat marked Germany’s first-ever FIFA World Cup elimination via a penalty shootout, having won each of their previous four shootouts in the competition. It was also only their second defeat on penalties at a major international tournament, the first coming against Czechoslovakia in the 1976 UEFA European Championship final. The result also extended Germany’s struggles since lifting the World Cup in 2014, following group-stage exits in the previous two editions. Later, Morocco scripted another memorable chapter in their World Cup journey by eliminating the Netherlands after a dramatic penalty shootout. The Dutch looked destined for the Round of 16 after Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute. But Morocco refused to give in, finding an equaliser deep into stoppage time when Chemsdine Talbi’s inviting cross was headed home by Issa Diop in the 91st minute. Neither side could find a winner during extra time, taking the match to penalties. Both teams missed two spot-kicks, but Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou once again showcased his brilliance from 12 yards by saving Crysencio Summerville’s effort. With the shootout finely poised, Ismael Saibari calmly converted Morocco’s decisive penalty to seal a 3-2 victory and send the African side into the Round of 16. The combined exits of Germany and the Netherlands ensured a landmark moment in FIFA World Cup history, as never before had two top-10 ranked nations been knocked out in the very first round of the tournament’s knockout stage.

Morocco produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they fought back from behind to beat the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties in Monterrey and book their place in the last 16.

The Atlas Lions dominated large parts of the match but needed a stoppage-time equaliser from Issa Diop before holding their nerve in the penalty shootout to secure a memorable victory over the Dutch.

Here are the key moments from Morocco’s famous win:

Early Battles Set the Tone

The match began at a high intensity, with both teams engaged in physical duels across the pitch. Morocco’s Ismail Saibari and the Netherlands’ Jan Paul van Hecke were involved in several fierce battles, while Brian Brobbey and Chadi Riad also exchanged heavy challenges.

Morocco Create the Better Chances

Morocco looked the more dangerous side during the first half. Neil El Aynaoui and Achraf Hakimi, making his 100th international appearance, both tested Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who produced several excellent saves to keep the scores level.

Hakimi Hits the Woodwork

After the break, Morocco increased the pressure and came close to taking the lead when Hakimi struck the crossbar. Despite controlling possession, they were punished moments later.

Emotional Gakpo Gives Netherlands the Lead

In the 72nd minute, the Netherlands launched a swift counter-attack which ended with Cody Gakpo smashing the ball into the net. The Liverpool forward, who had recently revealed the heartbreaking loss of his unborn son, was embraced by his teammates after scoring what appeared to be the winning goal.

Diop’s Dramatic Stoppage-Time Equaliser

Just when the Netherlands looked set to advance, Morocco struck in the opening seconds of added time. Issa Diop rose highest to power home a header from Chemsdine Talbi’s cross, sending Moroccan supporters into celebration and forcing extra time.

Verbruggen Produces Save of the Tournament

Early in extra time, Bart Verbruggen made a remarkable save to deny substitute Soufiane Rahimi, who had dribbled brilliantly through the Dutch defence. It was one of the standout saves of the tournament.

Penalty Drama

The shootout produced more twists and turns:

• Teun Koopmeiners scored for the Netherlands.
• Neil El Aynaoui hit the crossbar for Morocco.
• Justin Kluivert struck the post.
• Soufiane Rahimi’s effort squeezed under Verbruggen to level the shootout.
• Wout Weghorst restored the Dutch advantage.
• Quinten Timber dragged his penalty wide.
• Achraf Hakimi missed the chance to put Morocco ahead by hitting the post.
• Dutch substitute Crysencio Summerville was then denied by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Saibari Sends Morocco Through

With the final penalty, Ismail Saibari calmly sent Verbruggen the wrong way to seal a 3-2 shootout victory and spark wild celebrations among the Moroccan players and fans.

Morocco Continue Africa’s Historic Run

Four years after reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, Morocco have once again shown their quality on the biggest stage by eliminating another European giant.

The Atlas Lions, led by coach Mohamed Ouahbi, become the first African nation to reach the last 16 at the 2026 World Cup and will now face Canada for a place in the quarter-finals. Their resilience, talent and fighting spirit continue to make them one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams.

Seafall, though not the initial top seed for the Winter Championship campaign from Lindsay Park, is now the mare carrying the Hayes family’s ambitions for a breakthrough win in the Finals Day feature.

The five-year-old bay, sired by The Autumn Sun, will represent Ben, Will, and JD Hayes as their sole runner in the $200,000 Listed event at Flemington this Saturday.

The Hayes family has a history of success on Finals Day as the card has evolved, but their grandfather Colin Hayes was the last to win this specific race in 1985 with Kiwi Slave.

Ben Hayes is pleased that Seafall is at the forefront of their strong team for Finals Day, which also includes Ndola in the Santa Ana Lane Final, The Western Front in the Banjo Paterson Final, Stylish and Grid Girl in the Leilani Final, and Stars Of Dom, Vivid Storm, and Resolutely contesting the Next Generation Final.

“You always like to have runners at Flemington and it has been a good meeting for us over the years,” he said. “I think we’ve going to have a good team there and hopefully we can get a winner or two.”

Seafall is set to make her first start in Stakes grade since an eighth-place finish in the Group 3 Kembla Grange Classic when she was a three-year-old and trained by Chris Waller.

She joined Lindsay Park last spring and failed to win in her first seven starts for the stable, but has since achieved four victories from her last five outings.

Her most recent win occurred in The David Bourke at Flemington on June 20, a result that secured her position in the Winter Championship Final.

“She’s thriving, she’s a mare in form and when mares are in form they just keep going,” Hayes stated. “She’s a lovely, sound horse and I think it’s a great opportunity for a mare like her to go for Black Type. If she draws a barrier and gets the right run she can go very close. There aren’t many Stakes races this time of year, so it’s a good opportunity to hopefully get some Black Type for her.”

Seafall is one of 24 nominations for the Winter Championship Final, which notably features defending champion Jimmy The Bear.

Considering a wager on the Winter Championship Final? You can find competitive racing betting markets at various Australian bookmakers.

France will not abandon the attacking philosophy that carried them through the World Cup group stage despite conceding chances, coach Didier Deschamps has warned ahead of their last-32 clash against Sweden on Tuesday. 

Les Bleus topped their ⁠group with a perfect nine points, scoring 10 goals against Senegal, Iraq and Norway, but their adventurous approach also allowed opponents opportunities. 

Read moreWorld Cup 2026: All the fixtures

“We have to score one more goal, ‌not give up what we’re capable of doing,” Deschamps told a press conference ahead of the match, acknowledging that his team had conceded “a few chances too many”.  

“We have the ability to create danger and hurt the opposition. That’s our strength and I want us to keep that strength,” he added, warning his players to be wary of a Sweden team “with nothing to lose”.  

The France coach highlighted Sweden’s athleticism, ⁠pace on the counter and threat from set pieces. 

“We need to stay humble, maintain our determination and concentration,” he said. “In the group stage winning the first game gave us some margin for error, but now we have no second chances.” 

Left flank a concern 

Deschamps returned to the France team’s base in Boston on Saturday after missing the 4-1 win against Norway to fly home to attend his mother’s funeral.

Les Bleus came into the World Cup as one of the leading contenders to win the trophy, following their triumph in 2018 and defeat on penalties to Argentina in the 2022 final. 

They were impressive in the group stage, at least after a shaky first half in their opening game against Senegal, with Kylian ⁠Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise giving them arguably the most devastating attacking unit in the tournament.  

Yet the left flank has looked less settled. Theo Hernandez has not ‌fully convinced at left back, and Lucas Digne is expected to come into the side against ⁠Sweden, bringing more defensive security and a steadier delivery from wide areas. 

Further forward, Bradley Barcola is expected to replace Désire Doué on the left of France’s attack, with Deschamps looking for more direct running, pace in transition and natural width on the flank opposite the Olise-Mbappé-Dembélé axis. 

The adjustment would not ‌change France’s overall balance but could give them a more coherent left side against a Sweden team likely to defend deep, attack at set pieces and look to expose any space behind France’s defence, which has sometimes been caught off guard. 

The return of ‌William Saliba in central defence will, at least, bring some stability back. 

Outscoring Les Bleus? 

Sweden arrive as awkward opponents rather than spectacular ones. They finished second in Group F behind the Netherlands, opening with a 5-1 win over Tunisia before being torn apart by the Dutch 5-1 and drawing with Japan 1-1. 

However, they have enough physical presence and organisation to make the evening uncomfortable if France lose patience. 

The knockout stage is a different test from the group phase, when France were able to overwhelm opponents despite occasional defensive lapses. But the 2022 final against Argentina aside, France have not lost a knockout game at the World Cup since 2014. 

Inevitably, their rivals face a similar conundrum: however many goals they score, Les Bleus always look capable of scoring one more. 

Mbappé has been France’s central figure again, while Dembélé’s hat-trick against Norway and Olise’s creativity have underlined the depth of attacking options available to Deschamps. 

Barcola, Doué, Rayan Cherki, Jean-Philippe Mateta or Marcus Thuram give France the kind of bench power no team can match. 

Read moreWorld Cup 2026: Dembélé scores sensational hat-trick as France beat Norway to top group

Can Sweden cause an upset? 

“I don’t buy it. Sweden have Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Anthony Elanga. They are not a bad side, ⁠but they are nowhere near France’s firepower,” former England great Gary Lineker told French sports daily L’Equipe. 

“Of course, with four genuine forwards, Les Bleus ⁠could be vulnerable on the counter, as we saw against Norway’s second string on Friday, but they will score more goals than the other teams.” 

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

There have been discussions about a potential salary cap in college football to limit how much money could go into assembling a roster.

What would a good number be?

On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, I discuss a sobering reality for national title contenders this year.

Which ones are capable of falling well short of their goals?

The G6 Playoff berth for the 2026 season will have a host of contenders, led (some believe) by Boise State.

There’s a Mountain West team outside of UNLV that should be monitored.

00:00 Challenges of Implementing Salary Caps
05:48 College football financial disparities
08:39 Future of College Sports Reforms
12:46 National championship contenders discussion
15:18 Ohio State football predictions
17:40 Predicting College Football Team Outcomes
22:00 Jason Eck’s coaching impact
23:39 New Mexico as playoff contender
28:18 Jason Eck’s coaching impact
30:50 Potential for New Mexico Lobos

/ @lockedoncollegefootball  

Morocco refused to let their World Cup story end quietly. The Netherlands, once again, found a way to make penalties feel like punishment.

At Monterrey Stadium on Tuesday morning (India time), Morocco beat the Netherlands 3-2 in a chaotic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 match, sending the Dutch to their earliest World Cup exit and moving into the Round of 16.

Ismael Saibari scored the decisive kick after Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved Crysencio Summerville’s attempt with his left hand. Saibari sent his shot low into the left corner as Bart Verbruggen went the other way, then tore off his shirt and screamed as his teammates mobbed him.

Morocco will now face Canada in the Round of 16 in Houston on Saturday.

For the Netherlands, the defeat extended a familiar agony. They had reached at least the Round of 16 in each of their previous 11 World Cup appearances, including a quarterfinal run in Qatar four years ago. This time, in the first edition of the expanded tournament in which 32 teams entered the knockout stage, they were gone at the first hurdle.

Diop saves Morocco at the death

The match had seemed to be slipping away from Morocco when Cody Gakpo put the Netherlands ahead in the 72nd minute.

The goal came after Crysencio Summerville was left on the ground in the penalty area, but still managed to assist the Liverpool forward. Gakpo finished the move, and the Dutch bench flooded onto the pitch to embrace him.

It was more than a football moment. Gakpo and his partner, Noa van der Bij, recently announced the loss of their unborn child. After scoring, Gakpo sank to his knees and sobbed, pointed to the heavens and was surrounded by teammates. His parents in the stands were overcome as well.

For a few minutes, it looked as though the night would belong to him and the Netherlands.

Morocco, however, kept pushing. In the 91st minute, Chemsdine Talbi sent a looping cross into the box from the left, and Issa Diop rose to head home cleanly. Verbruggen had no chance. Diop’s first goal for his country sent the Moroccan end into a roar, with drinks raining down from the stands.

Extra time followed, but neither side created a clear opening across the additional 30 minutes. The match then moved to penalties, where the drama became almost surreal.

The shootout that lost all rhythm

It was the second shootout of the tournament on the same day, after Paraguay beat Germany on penalties earlier on Monday. But Morocco-Netherlands produced a different kind of chaos.

Five of the 10 penalties were missed or saved. One looked saved before spinning over the line. Only one was cleanly stopped, but it proved decisive.

Teun Koopmeiners gave the Netherlands the lead with the first kick, firing into the bottom corner. Neil El Aynaoui then rattled the crossbar for Morocco. Justin Kluivert had a chance to put the Dutch in control, but struck the base of the post.

Wout Weghorst scored for the Netherlands and Talbi responded for Morocco to make it 2-2. Quentin Timber then fired wide before Achraf Hakimi struck the same part of the post Kluivert had hit.

After eight penalties, only four had been scored.

Summerville then went down the middle, but Bounou stepped right and punched the ball away almost casually with his left hand. Saibari did the rest.

  Bounou adds another chapter

Bounou came into the shootout with a reputation. He had saved two Spanish penalties in the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup and later stopped two more against Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations to help Morocco reach the final.

Against the Netherlands, he had no chance with the first Dutch penalty and watched others miss without needing his intervention. But when Morocco needed him most, he delivered.

His save from Summerville gave Saibari the chance to end the contest. The midfielder took it with conviction.

Dutch penalty pain deepens

For the Netherlands, this was the latest chapter in a long and painful history with penalties.

They have now lost four of their five World Cup penalty shootouts. Across major tournaments, they have won only two of the 10 shootouts they have contested. Only Spain have lost as many World Cup shootouts as the Dutch.

Their only World Cup shootout win came in the 2014 quarterfinal against Costa Rica. Since then, the format has repeatedly hurt them, including defeats to Argentina in 2014 and 2022 and now Morocco in 2026.

Verbruggen’s save, and then the cruel twist

Before the shootout, Verbruggen had produced one of the saves of the tournament.

Rahimi cut inside with a sharp drop of the shoulder, and the goal appeared to open up. Verbruggen narrowed the angle, tempted the striker towards the near post and somehow diverted a powerful close-range strike away with a combination of knee, hand and instinct.

The 23-year-old had already built a reputation as one of the better ball-playing goalkeepers in Europe, and his performance in open play underlined that promise.

But in the shootout, the margins were cruel. He almost stopped Rahimi’s penalty, only for the ball to roll over the line off his leg. Moments later, he could not stop Saibari’s winner.

A match too good for the Round of 32

This was not a tie that felt like an early knockout match.

Morocco entered the game ranked sixth in the world, the Netherlands seventh, making it the highest combined ranking of any Round of 32 match. On the pitch, the contest carried that weight.

The Netherlands had Premier League-proven players and tactical flexibility. Morocco had the energy, aggression and refusal to disappear that marked their 2022 semifinal run.

The game moved on a knife-edge. Morocco’s equaliser shook the stadium. The Dutch nearly dragged themselves through. Extra time offered tension without clarity. Then came a shootout that seemed determined to reject order.

For a newly expanded World Cup, this was an advert for the Round of 32: high stakes, elite teams, deep drama and a result that could not be assumed.

Koeman’s caution pays off, then falls short

Ronald Koeman changed shape for the first time in the tournament, selecting Van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake and Micky van de Ven together, with Denzel Dumfries on the right. It gave the Netherlands a back five and was partly designed to deal with Achraf Hakimi’s pace and direct runs.

The caution had logic. Van de Ven made one important recovery tackle on Hakimi in the second half, and the Dutch were not often opened up with ease.

But the shape also limited the Netherlands in possession. Dumfries hesitated to push forward in build-up, and Van de Ven was mostly kept wide. The Dutch needed a change, and Koeman made it in the 70th minute by sending on Weghorst for Ake.

The change worked almost immediately. Weghorst flicked on a clearance into Summerville’s path, and Summerville set up Gakpo for the opener.

Yet the Netherlands could not protect the lead. Morocco forced the equaliser, survived extra time, and then broke Dutch hearts on penalties.

Why Mexico backed Morocco

The atmosphere also carried history of its own.

The Netherlands usually travel with loud, colourful support, but in Monterrey, Morocco seemed to have the stronger backing, helped by local Mexican fans.

Chants of “no era penal” — it wasn’t a penalty — were heard early, a reference to the controversial spot kick awarded to the Netherlands against Mexico in the 2014 World Cup Round of 16, when Arjen Robben went down under a challenge from Rafa Marquez. That decision helped eliminate Mexico, and many local fans clearly had not forgotten.

Against that backdrop, Morocco’s late equaliser and shootout win turned the stadium into a North African celebration with Mexican assistance.

Morocco march on, Dutch go home early

Morocco now move to Houston to face Canada in the Round of 16. Their 2022 run to the semifinals was not a one-off memory; this team have again shown they can live in the pressure of knockout football.

They have Bounou’s calm, Saibari’s nerve, Hakimi’s threat, Diop’s timing and the collective belief to turn a match around when it appears lost.

The Netherlands leave with another penalty scar. Gakpo gave them a goal layered with emotion. Verbruggen gave them saves to remember. Koeman gave them a plan that almost worked.

But almost is where Dutch World Cup dreams have too often gone to die.

Morocco were behind in the 90th minute. They were level by the 91st. By the end of the night, they were through.