Morocco hold their nerve to see off Netherlands on penalties

Morocco progressed to the last 16 of the World Cup in a thrilling penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands after the sides drew 1-1 in Guadalupe, Mexico. Morocco edged past the Dutch 3-2 on penalties, Ismael Saibari claiming the decisive goal after multiple missed opportunities and saves on both sides.

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Netherlands breeze past Tunisia to book spot in last 32

The Netherlands finished the World Cup group stage on top of Group F as they chalked up a comfortable 3-1 victory over Tunisia in Kansas City. The Dutch started at a red-hot pace, taking just seven minutes to establish a 2-0 lead. Ronald Koeman’s side went ahead in the third minute courtesy of an Ellyes Skhiri own goal, after he lashed out at a cross and inadvertently tipped the ball into the back of his own net.

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Brobbey and Gakpo at the double as Netherlands crush Sweden

Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo scored two each as the Netherlands cruised to a 5-1 victory over Sweden to go top of World Cup Group F. Oranje boss Ronald Koeman sprang something of a surprise by selecting Brobbey ahead of Crysencio Summerville, a goalscorer in their opening 2-2 draw with Japan, but the decision was quickly vindicated as the striker scored twice in the opening 17 minutes. Anthony Elanga pulled one back for Graham Potter’s Sweden just before the hour, substitute Summerville had the final say in the 90th minute.

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Japan come from behind twice to draw with Netherlands

Japan hit back twice to start their World Cup campaign with an entertaining 2-2 draw against the Netherlands. The Dutch were denied a victory in their the World Cup Group F opener when Koki Ogawa’s 88th-minute header took a deflection off Daichi Kamada before going in at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas. After a drab first half where chances were few and far between, the came to life when an unmarked Virgil van Dijk headed home in the 51st minute from Liverpool team-mate Ryan Gravenberch’s cross.

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‘Heartbroken’ Xavi Simons ruled out of World Cup

Xavi Simons is set to miss the remainder of the Premier League season and will also play no part in the 2026 World Cup. The Netherlands midfielder left pitch on a stretcher during win over Wolves on Saturday and confirms he will play no further part in Tottenham’s bid for Premier League survival after suffering an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament.

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