World Cup 2026: "I jumped and it was a goal"... Issa Diop relives the rescue goal against the Netherlands

29.06.26 AP World Cup

Netherlands

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Morocco

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Morocco advanced to the Round of 16 in the World Cup after a fierce last-16 battle against the Netherlands. The Atlas Lions fell behind in the 72nd minute, but roared back in stoppage time thanks to a towering header from Issa Diop in the 90+1st minute. The hero himself recounts this spectacular goal.

Issa Diop, the 1.94-meter-tall defender, became the night's hero. With the Atlas Lions trailing, he surged forward in the 90+1st minute and snatched the equalizer (1-1) with a powerful header. He said: "Honestly, I don't even know why I was in the box. I just saw the ball there. I jumped and it was a goal."

Morocco then triumphed 3-2 in the penalty shootout. Fulham's defensive giant expressed his delight after the Atlas Lions secured their spot in the last 16.

I'm extremely happy for the Moroccan people. It was a tough match, but in the end, we won.

Issa Diop and his teammates now face Canada, who knocked out South Africa with a 1-0 victory on Sunday.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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