Cody Gakpo was overcome with emotion after scoring for the Netherlands in their World Cup round-of-32 clash against Morocco, just days after he and his partner, Noa van der Bij, announced the devastating loss of their unborn son. The Liverpool forward gave the Dutch the lead, dropping to his knees after finding the net before being surrounded by his team-mates in an emotional celebration.
Emotional Tribute on the Pitch
Gakpo was in tears as his colleagues rallied around him, with Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk among the first to embrace the 27-year-old following the goal. The poignant moment came only a day after Van der Bij revealed the couple had suffered the loss of their baby boy during pregnancy. The pair had been expecting their second child together, with the baby due in October.
Heartbreaking Announcement
Sharing the heartbreaking news on social media, Van der Bij wrote: "With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy. Thank you for your love and support. Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son." Despite the personal tragedy, Gakpo remained with the Netherlands squad for their World Cup knockout tie and was named in the starting line-up by Ronald Koeman.
Match Details and Outcome
The Liverpool attacker made his mark by opening the scoring before being substituted in the closing stages of extra time. Issa Diop equalised deep into stoppage time to send the contest into extra time before Morocco held their nerve from the spot to secure a 3-2 penalty shootout victory after the game finished 1-1. Gakpo ends the tournament having scored three goals for the Netherlands.
