Since we are talking penalties, it's about time we move on to Germany.

Everyone remembers their first, don't they?

Things looked to be improving for Germany after they ended a run of two consecutive group-stage exits at the last two World Cups.

But after winning their opening two matches, Julien Nagelsmann's side stumbled to a 2-1 loss against Ecuador in their final group game.

That was just a blip, right. Nothing was on the line for them, they were already group winners.

But that malaise continued into the German's last-32 tie against Paraguay.

They controlled the play but after being held to a 1-1 draw lost 4-3 on penalties...yes, penalties...

When it comes to penalties, it was a familiar tale for Ronald Koeman and his side.

The Netherlands have tasted penalty shootout defeat eight times in 10 penalty shootouts in tournament football:

• Euro 1992: Lost to Denmark in semi-final
• Euro 1996: Lost to France in quarter-final
• World Cup 1998: Lost to Brazil in semi-final
• Euro 2000: Lost to Italy in semi-final
• Euro 2004: Beat Sweden in quarter-final
• World Cup 2014: Beat Costa Rica in quarter-final
• World Cup 2014: Lost to Argentina in semi-final
• World Cup 2022: Lost to Argentina in quarter-final
• Nations League 2025: Lost to Spain in quarter-final
• World Cup 2026: Lost to Morocco in last 32

Image source, Getty Images

If you are like me and scrolling back mentally through England's penalty misery, that last stat is correct.

England have only lost three World Cup matches on penalties:

• 1990 - against West Germany in the semi-finals
• 1998 - against Argentina in the last 16
• 2006 - against Portugal in the quarter-finals

Morocco have now won both their penalty shootouts in World Cup knockouts, the previous one coming in 2022 against Spain.

This is the fourth time the Netherlands have been knocked out of a World Cup in a penalty shootout - the most alongside Spain.

Image source, Getty Images

Morocco will face co-hosts Canada in Houston on American independence day - Saturday 4th July at 18:00 BST.

Opta give Morocco a 65.78% chance of reaching the quarter final, and a 24.82% chance of reaching the semi final.

That drop reflects the fact they could well face France in the last eight.

In terms of reaching the final, Opta give Morocco a 10.77% chance of getting there and a 4.24% chance of going all the way.

Can Morocco become the first African nation to win the World Cup?

Image source, Getty Images

Hassan Kachloul
Former Morocco international speaking on 5 Live Breakfast

The change in playing five at the back for the Netherlands, when you see how good and comfortable they were playing four at the back, I think that shows the respect European teams have for Morocco now.

Netherlands were playing 10 behind the ball in a 30-yard box refusing to play football. They scored with the only chance they had, when Morocco had six chances.

The best player in the team was their goalkeeper, and Morocco could have scored four or five goals in this game.

I think the great belief they've got in themselves and the confidence will go high now.

But one game at a time - playing France will always be a big hurdle.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Morocco's Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui said it was "unfair" to have two such quality teams facing off so early in the tournament, but added: "We are going to stay humble because that is why we are here. Without the fighting spirit we showed, you are not going to win any game."

With due respect to their next opponents, co-hosts Canada, Morocco have proved their pedigree on the world stage, and will eye a potential rematch with France in the quarter-finals, should the French overcome Sweden and Paraguay.

There would arguably be no stiffer test, but it would be fascinating to see just how far Morocco have come since their 2-0 defeat by Les Bleus in the last four in Qatar.

Alex Hoad
BBC Sport reporter

Four years after overcoming Spain and Portugal on their way to a World Cup semi-final defeat by France, Morocco have once again toppled a European powerhouse.

Sixth in Fifa's world rankings, one place above the Netherlands, the Atlas Lions boast a generational crop of talent including Achraf Hakimi, Ismael Saibari and Brahim Diaz, performing at the peak of their powers.

Meanwhile, in midfield, France-born 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi looks set to become one of the hottest properties in Europe, only weeks after switching his international allegiance from his native country.

Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has only been in the job less than four months but his reputation continues to grow, having guided the country's Under-20 side to World Cup glory last year.

In what is already a historic World Cup for African nations, Morocco are once again leading the way as the first team from the continent into the last 16.

They did it their way here, dominating possession, sustaining focus despite missing chances and snatching a deserved equaliser in stoppage time, before displaying equal resilience to come from behind in the shootout.

The Netherlands were going through as this match moved into stoppage time in normal time, but patience eventually paid off for Morocco.

They had 70% possession and led on every stat other than goals.

Clinton Morrison
Former Republic of Ireland striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

You would probably have liked this to be a quarter-final or semi-final, but you have to play.

It wasn't the best of shootouts to be fair and it can happen like that. It is disappointing for the Netherlands.

Crysencio Summerville is getting consoled by everyone. The penalties weren't good.

I don't like this stuttering run-up. Just go and put your foot through it.

I never thought Ismael Saibari was going to miss it. He is full of confidence and it was a good penalty.

You are gutted for all the Netherlands players but credit to Morocco.

Teun Koopmeiners put the Netherlands ahead before Neil El Aynaoui thumped the crossbar.

However, Justin Kluivert hit the base of the post before Soufiane Rahimi's spot-kick squirmed through the grasp of Bart Verbruggen to make it 1-1.

Wout Weghorst found the top corner for the Dutch, followed by Chemsdine Talbi going the opposite side but Quinten Timber dragged a tame effort well wide.

Achraf Hakimi failed to make him pay as he smashed into the base of the same upright as Kluivert but Crysencio Summerville was then denied by a strong hand from Yassine Bounou, moving to his right before the kick was taken.

That allowed Ismael Saibari to send Verbruggen the wrong way, finding the bottom corner and breaking Dutch hearts.

There are moments when perhaps it dawns on you that this is just not going to be your night.

The Netherlands had one foot in the last 16 when Cody Gakpo put them ahead with 20 minutes remaining, only for Issa Diop to equalise in the 91st minute.

Ronald Koeman's side then endured a penalty shootout to forget, starting with this unfortunate moment for goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as Soufiane Rahimi's first spot-kick for Morocco squirmed underneath his body...

Alex Hoad
BBC Sport reporter

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo had chosen to remain with the Netherlands squad despite announcing the loss of his unborn son on Saturday.

He started for the Dutch and despite Morocco being on top for much of the match looked to have helped his side snatch victory, firing home to finish off a swift counter-attack with 20 minutes of normal time remaining.

Gakpo was mobbed by his team-mates and was brought to tears in the emotional scenes.

His goal looked like it would be enough for the Netherlands until the opening seconds of added time when Issa Diop headed home a curling cross from Chemsdine Taldi to send the match into extra time.

Possibly one of the worst ways to lose any game of football but also one of the best ways to win.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

It's still raw so let's start our reaction with the Netherlands' penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in Monterrey...