Emotional scenes as star scores days after death of unborn child
Netherlands star Cody Gakpo scored an emotional goal just days after he and his partner Noa van der Bij announced that their unborn child had died.
Gakpo opted to stay with his Dutch teammates at the World Cup and featured in the side’s round of 32 clash with Morocco on Tuesday (AEST).
Cody Gakpo scores a goal for the Netherlands. Getty Images
The stadium and Netherlands team erupted in the 72nd minute when Gakpo scored a goal, leading to an incredibly emotional moment in Kansas City.
The star was in tears and embraced by teammates after the ball hit the back of the net. Sadly for the Netherlands, the football gods didn’t shine on them for long, with Morocco equalising in the 91st minute through Issia Diop, then riding their momentum through a tense period of extra time that was dominated by the African nation, who threatened a winner but couldn’t deliver one.
Cody Gakpo leans on a Dutch teammate as emotions hit him after scoring. AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa
As emotions overwhelm him, Cody Gakpo is comforted. Getty Images
The Dutch side had their chances in a nervy penalty shootout but three poor misses through Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville would ultimately prove costly as Moroccan Ismael Saibari secured instant hero status, dispatching the final penalty of the shootout to win it 3-2. Morocco will now face Canada in the opening match of the Round of 16 at 3am (AEST) Sunday morning.
Earlier, the emotional scenes triggered by Gakpo’s opener followed just days after the Dutch goalscorer announced his tragic personal news on social media. The Dutch Football Association and Gakpo confirmed the 27-year-old would stay with the team through his period of mourning.
Gakpo’s partner Van der Bij posted a photo on social media of the pair holding hands over a blanket and small knitted hat, with the announcement that their baby had passed away.
“Thank you for your love and support. Elijay Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son,” Van der Bij said.
In his own post, the Liverpool player reposted his partner’s photo saying, “This is an incredibly difficult time for our family. We kindly ask for our privacy and space.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
Gakpo started all three of the Netherlands′ World Cup group games to help his country progress to the knockout stages, scoring twice against Sweden.
“We are with Cody and his family,” a team statement read after he went public with the news.
“This is a very sad private situation. Of course we knew about this and we support him in every way we can.
“Cody has decided, after talks with his girlfriend, to stay with the group. We respect their privacy and will make no further comments.”
