- Netherlands international Cody Gakpo was visibly emotional after scoring the opening goal for his country against Morocco at the World Cup, dedicating the strike to his unborn child.
- The Liverpool winger's partner, Noa van der Bij, recently revealed on Instagram that she suffered a miscarriage, resulting in the loss of their baby boy, Elijah.
- Gakpo, who had previously announced they were expecting their second child, was consoled by teammates after kneeling and welling up on the pitch following his goal.
- Van der Bij shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing their heartbreak and finding a sign from God that their son, Elijah Raphael Gakpo, is never far away.
- Despite Gakpo's significant contribution, which marked his third goal of the tournament, the Netherlands ultimately lost the last-32 tie to Morocco on penalties after a stoppage-time equaliser.
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