Cody Gakpo scored for the Netherlands against Morocco at the World Cup on Tuesday, breaking down in tears just days after the heartbreaking loss of his unborn son. The 27-year-old Liverpool forward put the Netherlands ahead in the 72nd minute, firing home from inside the box after Crysencio Summerville prodded the ball into his path. Gakpo immediately dropped to the ground, his head pressed against the turf, visibly overwhelmed by emotion.
Teammates Rally Around Gakpo
His Netherlands teammates swiftly rallied around him following an agonising 72 hours since the tragic announcement. Micky van de Ven kissed him on the head as Gakpo broke down in tears, burying his face in his shirt, while Virgil van Dijk wrapped his arms around him. The former PSV man pointed skywards in a heartfelt tribute to his unborn child as he made his way back to the centre circle, before allowing himself a smile as he joined Summerville in celebrating the goal.
Background on the Tragedy
Gakpo and his girlfriend, Noa van der Bij, had been expecting their second son, sharing the happy news back in May. However, in two Instagram stories on Saturday, Van der Bij revealed the devastating news that the couple had suffered a miscarriage. The announcement prompted an enormous outpouring of support for Gakpo and his loved ones, yet the Liverpool forward resolved to remain with the Netherlands squad ahead of their Round of 32 encounter against Morocco at Estadio Monterrey.
Support from Teammates and Captain
Speaking before the match, Brian Brobbey, Gakpo's Netherlands teammate, sympathised with Gakpo in the build-up to the game against Morocco. "Everyone naturally sympathises with him. We already knew it a few days earlier," Brobbey said in an interview with NOS. "We try to be there for him. If necessary, we are there. And if he needs space, we are there too. We are a close-knit group, both the players and the coaches try to be there for him. It is of course nice that he stays with us. He is a very important player."
Meanwhile, Van Dijk shared the same notion in his pre-match press conference and said he has respect for how he and his girlfriend have handled the difficult situation. "Being there for Cody is the most important thing," Van Dijk said on Sunday. "It's terrible. At such a moment, it becomes clear again that football is a side issue. And that there are more important things in life. It's very sad. You never want to go through this. But as the national coach says and knowing Cody, he is very keen to continue for a round. He dealt with it very maturely. I have a lot of respect for how he, but also Noa and his family, have handled this."
Match Outcome
Although it looked as though Gakpo's goal was going to send Netherlands through, Morocco levelled in the 91st minute with Fulham's Issa Diop heading home from inside the box to send the tie to extra-time.
