Justin Kluivert still haunted by missed penalty against Morocco
Back in the Netherlands squad, Justin Kluivert has reflected on the penalty he missed against Morocco at the 2026 World Cup. The Bournemouth player came on late in extra time to take part in the shootout. He speaks about his regret, the racist abuse that followed and how he regained his confidence.
Justin Kluivert had barely touched the ball, by his own account, when he had to take a penalty against Morocco. On June 29, the Netherlands international came on just before the shootout because of his prowess from the spot. His shot sent Yassine Bounou the wrong way but hit the post. Four months later, the miss remains a painful memory, he told the ANP news agency on November 10.
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The match ended 1-1 after extra time. Misses by Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville sealed the Netherlands’ exit, as they lost 3-2 on penalties. For Kluivert, the disappointment was all the greater because he had done everything he could to play in the World Cup after knee surgery. He remains grateful to Ronald Koeman for selecting him.
The aftermath was also marked by racist attacks on the three Dutch penalty takers on social media. The national federation reported the messages to the relevant authorities. Kluivert acknowledges reading hurtful comments but refuses to let their authors affect his career. He notes that most supporters do not share these views.
In another interview with Ziggo Sport, the Bournemouth player said he followed Donyell Malen’s advice to ask to take his next penalty himself. He did so and scored, a step that helped him move on.
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After missing the previous camp through injury, Kluivert returns to the Netherlands squad for Nations League matches against Greece and Germany, now under the guidance of Xavi Hernández.
