Gakpo's emotional goal not enough as Morocco advance on penalties in World Cup
Cody Gakpo scored an emotional opener days after losing his unborn son, but Issa Diop's stoppage-time header forced extra time and Morocco won 3-2 on penalties in the World Cup Round of 32, setting up a last-16 clash with Canada.
Gakpo's emotional opener
Cody Gakpo broke down in tears after sweeping home Crysencio Summerville's cutback in the 72nd minute of the Netherlands' World Cup Round of 32 match against Morocco in Monterrey, Mexico. The goal came just days after Gakpo and his partner Noa van der Bij lost their unborn son during pregnancy. Teammates rushed to console the striker as his parents wept in the stands.
With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy. Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son.
Gakpo had been given time off by coach Ronald Koeman to be with his family, but he never asked to leave the squad. Koeman praised the 27-year-old's strength.
Morocco's late reply
The Dutch looked set to advance as captain Virgil van Dijk made crucial defensive interventions, but substitute Chemsdine Talbi delivered a cross from the left in stoppage time and Issa Diop rose above Van Dijk to head past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, forcing extra time at 1-1.
Penalty shootout
After a goalless extra 30 minutes, the tie was decided from the spot. Yassine Bounou saved Crysencio Summerville's opening penalty for the Netherlands. Morocco's Neil El Aynaoui and Dutch substitute Justin Kluivert both missed, before Verbruggen appeared to stop Soufiane Rahimi's kick only for the ball to squirm beneath him and cross the line. Quinten Timber then blazed wide for the Dutch, Achraf Hakimi struck the post with a chance to seal victory, and Ismael Saibari converted the winning kick to send Morocco through 3-2 on penalties.
- Cody Gakpo scores opener for Netherlands, breaks down in tears
- Issa Diop heads stoppage-time equaliser for Morocco
- No further goals, match goes to penalties
- Morocco win 3-2 on penalties, Saibari scores decisive kick
Support from teammates
Van Dijk had spoken before the match about the tragedy, saying:
It's awful news, and it shows that football is secondary. There are more important things in life. It's very sad but Cody deals with it. I have lots of respect for the way he and his family are handling this.
Koeman said the team had done everything they could to support Gakpo, who made no public comment but was fully focused on the match. Morocco will now face co-hosts Canada in the last 16 on Saturday in Houston.
