Nathan Ake and Tijjani Reijnders are heading back to Manchester City earlier than expected after the Netherlands suffered a penalty-shootout exit against Morocco.
Morocco advanced from the Round of 32 in Monterrey after a 1-1 draw and a 3-2 penalty-shootout win, with Reuters reporting that Ismael Saibari converted the decisive kick after Yassine Bounou saved Crysencio Summerville’s effort. Ake started for the Netherlands, while Reijnders was left out of the starting XI and remained unused from the bench. Reuters also confirmed Morocco will now face Canada in the last 16.
Early Returns Now Matter For Maresca
The result is cruel for the Dutch, who led through Cody Gakpo before Issa Diop forced extra time with a stoppage-time header. The Guardian noted that Morocco had 70 per cent possession, underlining how heavily Ronald Koeman’s cautious structure shaped the contest.
For City, the immediate consequence is more practical. Enzo Maresca has inherited a squad already disrupted by tournament minutes, staggered holidays and a compressed preparation window.
Ake’s exit removes one senior defender from the deep World Cup workload earlier than anticipated, while Reijnders returns without the extra physical strain of knockout minutes.
That should help Maresca as he begins building rhythm before a demanding first pre-season as City manager. It also links directly to the broader post-Guardiola reset, with Read Man City already analysing how Maresca’s appointment starts a major succession test.
City still have Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki in knockout action, but two senior players returning early gives the new manager a small, useful gain in an awkward summer.
For Ake, the next focus is recovery after a bruising international exit. For Reijnders, the lack of knockout minutes may actually help City, giving Maresca a fresher midfielder to fold into his first tactical block.
