Soccer fans engaged in confrontations with police in The Hague and celebrated fervently in Casablanca after Morocco eliminated the Netherlands from the World Cup in a tense penalty shootout. The match concluded with Morocco advancing, marking the Netherlands’ earliest exit in World Cup history.
Moroccan communities in the Netherlands were in high spirits. However, sporadic clashes occurred in The Hague, particularly in the Schilderswijk district. According to police reports, heavy fireworks were detonated, and officers faced assaults with fireworks and stones. Riot squads intervened, deploying a water cannon to disperse the crowds. Several arrests were made in connection with public disorder and violence.
“A few individuals have been arrested for committing open violence,” police stated.
In Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, the atmosphere was electric as fans packed a popular coffee shop to witness the thrilling match. The tension broke at the end of the penalty shootout when Ismael Saibari successfully scored, securing Morocco’s progression to the Round of 16. Celebrations erupted across the city streets, with fireworks and flares lighting up the night sky. Chanting fans waved Moroccan flags, honked car horns, and revved engines, maintaining festive spirits until dawn.
Despite a late-night kickoff followed by a workday, enthusiastic supporters gathered on Casablanca’s main boulevard around 5 a.m. They danced in the streets, chanting messages for their next opponent. Morocco is set to face Canada in the upcoming round, a team they defeated 2-1 during the 2022 World Cup group stage.
With memories of Morocco’s groundbreaking achievement from four years ago, when they reached the World Cup semifinals as the first African team to do so, expectations are high. Fans are hopeful for another historic run.
Akram Oubachir in Casablanca, Morocco provided additional information for this report.