Gakpo scores opening goal for Netherlands in tears days after partner's miscarriage

Cody Gakpo scored the opening goal for the Netherlands against Morocco in their last-32 World Cup tie in Monterrey on Monday and immediately dropped to his knees in tears, just days after his partner Noa van der Bij announced the loss of their unborn son, Elijah Raphael Gakpo.

The Liverpool winger had revealed at the end of May that the couple were expecting their second child. Over the weekend, Van der Bij shared the devastating news on Instagram: “With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy. Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son.”

In her post, Van der Bij also described a moment of comfort the family found after visiting church: “We walked to the church playground with our son Samuel. There was only one other child there. His name was Elijah. There could not have been a more beautiful sign from God. He reminded us that our little boy is never far away.”

Gakpo struck late in the second half and was immediately consoled by his teammates before raising his arms skyward in tribute to Elijah. Van der Bij was present in the stands for the Netherlands’ tournament opener against Japan two weeks ago, a match that ended 2-2.

The 27-year-old has been one of the standout performers for the Dutch at this World Cup. In addition to Monday’s goal, he scored twice and registered an assist in a 5-1 victory over Sweden. His third goal of the tournament is also his sixth in World Cup football overall — the second-highest tally in Netherlands history, one behind Johnny Rep, who scored seven goals across the 1974 and 1978 tournaments as a forward for the then-Ajax and Valencia.

The Netherlands will face Canada in the last-16 in Houston on Saturday, with Morocco also in contention pending the final result.