Ismael Saibari World Cup record Netherlands Morocco

Morocco advances to its Round of 16 clash against the Netherlands with one certainty: its attack is working. The Atlas Lions scored six goals in the group stage, with a draw against Brazil (1-1), a victory against Scotland (1-0) and a spectacular success against Haiti (4-2).

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This last match allowed Morocco to break a national record. Never before had the Atlas Lions scored four goals in a World Cup match. With this total, the Moroccan national team also brings its historical tally to 26 goals in the competition, surpassing Nigeria to become the most prolific African nation in World Cup history.

Saibari, new attacking symbol

At the heart of this momentum, Ismael Saibari holds a special place. The Moroccan player scored against Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. With three goals, he has already become Morocco’s top goalscorer in a single World Cup edition.

Against the Netherlands, he can go even further. Another goal would allow him to equal Roger Milla’s record, who scored four goals with Cameroon in the same World Cup, and become co-top African goalscorer in a World Cup edition.

But the duel promises to be intense. The Netherlands have also impressed offensively, with 10 goals scored in three matches. Brian Brobbey scored three, Cody Gakpo and Crysencio Summerville two each. The Oranje were especially efficient, with 10 goals scored for only 5.24 expected goals according to Opta.

Morocco will therefore have to face a team capable of punishing almost every mistake. But the Atlas Lions have also changed dimension. Their journey no longer rests solely on defensive solidity: this team now knows how to score, accelerate and hurt in big matches.

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Against the Netherlands, Saibari will have the opportunity to confirm this shift. And perhaps to write a little more of Morocco into World Cup history.