01/07/2026 07:14 - Deportes
The Netherlands once again suffered the ultimate heartbreak in a World Cup. On June 29, 2026, the Dutch national team was eliminated in the Round of 16 after losing 3-2 on penalties to Morocco, following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of play.
This result marked a painful milestone for Dutch football: the Netherlands now shares the unwanted record with Spain for the most penalty shootout defeats in World Cup history, with a total of four eliminations in this cruel format.
The "Orange Curse" refers to the Netherlands' uncanny ability to play beautiful, attacking football but fall short when it matters most. Despite producing legends like Johan Cruyff and playing "Total Football," the Dutch have never won a World Cup, losing three finals (1974, 1978, 2010) and now four penalty shootouts.
| Final Result | Draw 1-1 (3-2 penalties for Morocco) |
| Netherlands Possession | Only 30% |
| Match Duration | 120 minutes + penalties |
| Morocco's Next Match | vs Canada (July 4, 2026, Houston) |
Head coach Ronald Koeman came under heavy fire following the elimination. Dutch media and former players pointed out that the manager had abandoned the traditional "Total Football" philosophy that made the Netherlands famous worldwide, instead implementing a defensive five-man backline system.
This conservative approach was reflected in the statistics: the Netherlands held only 30% of ball possession, an unusually low figure for a team historically known for dominating matches through intricate passing and movement.
Nigel de Jong, current sporting director of the national team, acknowledged to the press that the objective of reaching the semifinals was not achieved.
The shootout was a dramatic affair, with goalposts, crossbars, and saves keeping spectators on edge until the final kick.
Moroccan goalkeeper Bounou emerged as the hero, saving a penalty from Summerville, while Saibari converted the decisive spot-kick that sealed the African side's advancement.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
