Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk said Ronald Koemans squad had trained so much for penalties before missing three of their five spot kicks in a shootout to exit in their first knockout match at the World Cup 2026. Justin Kluivert and Quinten Timber missed the target and Crysencio Summervilles effort was saved by Yassine Bounou as Morocco came from behind during regular time and the shootout to oust Oranje.Unfortunately, we still get knocked out, Van Dijk said of the Netherlands attempts to prepare for penalties, speaking to NOS (via Telegraaf).These are the most terrible moments for a footballer. It is difficult to analyse. It was an intense match. At times it went well. It could have been better, but that doesnt help you at all.Table of ContentsNetherlands vs Morocco: World Cup exit insufficientWorld Cup 2026: Morocco humble vs NetherlandsIssa Diop goal vs Netherlands: Stadium was behind usWorld Cup 2026: Morocco scheduleNetherlands vs Morocco: World Cup exit insufficientNew Tottenham signing Jan Paul van Hecke had suggested he was part of a squad who would win the tournament after they completed the group stage by beating Tunisia to reach seven points.I am completely drained, added the defender, who was playing his first World Cup knockout stage game.We fought hard for it and gave everything. It was a tough battle. We went for it. It doesnt matter. This is so painful for the country, for the team.While Liverpools Van Dijk is 34 and may not play at another World Cup, 26-year-old defender Van Hecke and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is three years his senior, will hope to have more chances to lift the trophy.It is difficult to say, at this point, what went wrong and to analyse everything, said De Jong. I feel empty right now.What grade would I give this tournament? I dont know. We are already out in the first knockout round, which is not something you hope for. This is insufficient.World Cup 2026: Morocco humble vs NetherlandsHaving fallen behind to Cody Gakpos 72nd-minute strike, Morocco equalised through Issa Diops header in the 91st minute in Monterrey.That we win here is like a feeling of winning a final, said Atlas Lions wideman Noussair Mazraoui.Its a huge, huge accomplishment for the team and were just going to stay humble because thats why we are here.The Manchester United full-back believed the contest came far too early in the tournament and was not fair for both teams.For the Moroccans who stayed up late to watch, what can I tell you? he asked. We gave everything.We fought and we believed in the victory until the very last minute. It wasnt easy and we just wanted to make the people back there happy.Issa Diop goal vs Netherlands: Stadium was behind usDiop admitted he had been surprised to find himself in a position to meet Chemsdine Talbis delivery and score.To tell you the truth, I dont really know what I was doing there, explained the Fulham centre-back.We know the quality of [his] crosses, so I just tried to attack the space and it worked.We heard the stadium was behind us, so thanks to the Mexican people. You know, I have some Mexican friends [Fulham and Mexico striker] Raul Jimenez so maybe its him who talked to them to support us. I just want to thank all the Moroccan people who support us and are behind us. We know that they support us and, on the pitch, we give everything for them. We think of them every second.World Cup 2026: Morocco scheduleMoroccos semi-final appearance in 2022 was the longest ever run by an African team at the finals and they can move a step closer to emulating the achievement by beating Canada in the last 16 on Saturday.They are a very good team, Diop said of the co-hosts, accepting that Moroccos time to reflect and celebrate is not going to last very long.We saw their [last-32 1-0 win] against South Africa. They are a good team. We saw their group stage games.Heres when Morocco vs Canada takes place in different territories. The winners will face France, Sweden or Paraguay in the quarter-finals.DateVenueBST start timeETPTSat, July 4Houston18:0013:0010:00 Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Canada men's national soccer team Cody Gakpo Crysencio Summerville FIFA World Cup Frenkie de Jong Morocco National Football Team Netherlands National Football Team Ronald Koeman Virgil van Dijk World Cup World Cup 2026 Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read World Cup 2026: Full fixtures, dates, games, schedule and results from FIFA football finals Ben Miller 30th June, 2026 Neymar: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, results, kick off times, confirmed injury news updates, full Brazil squad Ben Miller 30th June, 2026 Netherlands 1-1 Morocco (AET, Morocco win 3-2 on pens): Dutch out of 2026 World Cup after shoot-out misery Jon Fisher 30th June, 2026 LIVE Netherlands v Morocco: Commentary, updates, goals and stats as 2026 World Cup contenders collide Jon Fisher 30th June, 2026 HT: Netherlands 0-0 Morocco Goalkeepers excel with African champions carrying greater threat Jon Fisher 30th June, 2026 Netherlands v Morocco: Confirmed line-ups as Brobbey starts for the Dutch Jon Fisher 30th June, 2026
