BOSTON: Morocco advanced to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 clash.
The match remained level at 1-1 after regulation and extra time, sending the contest to penalties.
Morocco missed its opening spot-kick but recovered with an impressive comeback to seal a 3-2 shootout victory and book a place in the last 16.
The Atlas Lions will face Canada in the Round of 16, while the Netherlands exited the tournament.
Earlier, Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the competition by eliminating Germany in another Round of 32 encounter after winning a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.
Germany dominated much of the first half in Boston but Paraguay struck first. Julio Enciso put his side ahead in the 42nd minute, giving Paraguay a 1-0 lead at the break.
Germany responded early in the second half. Kai Havertz equalized in the 54th minute to make it 1-1 and set up a tense finish.
Paraguay then defended resolutely, frustrating the four-time world champions for the remainder of regulation time.
Germany appeared to have found the winner during extra time when Jonathan Tah scored, but the goal was disallowed after the referee ruled a foul on the Paraguayan goalkeeper.
With neither side able to find another goal, the match went to penalties. The teams remained level after the first five spot-kicks, forcing sudden death.
Tah missed Germany’s first sudden-death penalty before Paraguay converted the decisive kick to secure a place in the Round of 16.
Paraguay will face either France or Sweden in the next round.
