Former Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has praised Morocco following the Oranjes dramatic exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting the Atlas Lions were the superior side throughout their Round of 32 clash.The Dutch were knocked out after suffering a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat following a tense 1-1 draw after regular and extra time, with Morocco once again showing resilience and composure under pressure to continue their impressive run in the tournament.Van der Vaart had previously cast doubt on Moroccos ability before the match, but the former Dutch international completely reversed his opinion after watching the North Africans dominate key phases of the encounter.Speaking after the game, Van der Vaart acknowledged that Morocco deserved their place in the next round based on their overall display.Honestly, Morocco deserved to qualify. They were the better team from the first minute, he admitted.The former midfielder expressed frustration with the Netherlands overall performance, describing it as one of the teams weakest displays despite briefly taking control of the scoreline.I was very disappointed. It was a very poor game from the Netherlands. You scored and started thinking you might get through with a bit of luck, but Morocco were simply stronger, he added.The Atlas Lions eventually found their reward when Issa Diop scored a dramatic late equaliser to force extra time before Morocco held their nerve during the shootout, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou once again proving decisive.The result further enhanced Moroccos growing reputation at the tournament, as they continue to emerge as one of the standout teams heading into the Round of 16.With confidence rising and praise now coming even from former Dutch stars, the Atlas Lions will turn their focus to their next challenge against Canada as they aim to extend their historic World Cup journey.
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World Cup 2026: Van der Vaart bow to Morocco after Netherlandsâ elimination
