Riots erupt in The Hague as Morocco knock Netherlands out of World Cup on penalties

Police in The Hague deployed riot squads and water cannon on Monday night after unrest broke out in the Dutch city following the Netherlands’ elimination from the World Cup, beaten 3-2 on penalties by Morocco. Contrasting scenes of jubilation played out simultaneously in Casablanca, where thousands of fans poured onto the streets after Ismael Saibari converted the decisive spot kick.

The trouble in The Hague centred on the Schilderswijk district, an area with a significant Moroccan community. Officers reported being targeted with fireworks and stones, and authorities confirmed that “a few individuals have been arrested for committing open violence.”

On the pitch, the Netherlands had appeared to be heading through after Cody Gakpo gave Ronald Koeman’s side the lead in the 72nd minute. The Liverpool winger was visibly emotional after scoring, having learned last week that his partner had suffered a miscarriage. The Dutch held their advantage into added time, but Morocco equalised through a powerful header from Issa Diop in the 91st minute, forcing extra time.

Neither side could find a winner in the additional 30 minutes, and Morocco held their nerve in the shootout to advance to the last 16.

In Casablanca, a tense silence inside a packed coffee shop gave way to a deafening roar the moment Saibari’s penalty hit the net. Flares and fireworks lit up the night sky, car horns blared, and supporters were still dancing on the city’s main boulevards around 5am local time, chanting “Canada, we’re coming for you.”

Morocco will face co-host Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday — a team they defeated 2-1 during the 2022 World Cup group stage. Expectations are running high among supporters who are dreaming of repeating the nation’s historic run four years ago, when Morocco became the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final.