Defender noussair mazraoui

FIFA World Cup Round: Defender Noussair Mazraoui said Morocco’s unwavering belief and composure helped them pull off a dramatic comeback against the Netherlands as the Atlas Lions advanced to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 following a penalty shootout victory.

Trailing to Cody Gakpo’s 72nd-minute strike, Morocco refused to panic and found a stoppage-time equaliser through Issa Diop before prevailing in the shootout, with Ismael Saibari converting the winning penalty after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou’s crucial save.

“We never lost our composure throughout the match, even in the final moments. We didn’t panic, even when they began to sit back and defend. In the end, there was a brilliant ball from Chemsdine Talbi, and Issa Diop equalised with an incredible header,” Mazraoui told FIFA after the match.