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Morocco beats Netherlands on penalties, celebrations in The Hague lead to clashes with police

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Morocco edges past Netherlands on penalties in World Cup thriller

Morocco advanced to the round of 16 after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands in Monterrey, with Ismael Saibari converting the decisive spot-kick following a 1-1 draw.

The win sets up a clash with co-host Canada in the next stage of the tournament.

Celebrations in The Hague turn tense

Following the match, celebrations erupted in The Hague, particularly in the Schilderswijk district, home to a large Moroccan-Dutch community. Police deployed water cannon and baton charges to disperse crowds, resulting in around a dozen arrests for open violence.

Authorities reported being attacked with stones and fireworks, while heavy fireworks were set off in the area.

Background

  • Approximately 32,000 residents of Moroccan descent live in The Hague, making up about 6% of the city's population.
  • Many are descendants of workers from northern Morocco who migrated under a 1969 bilateral labor agreement.