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Cody Gakpo breaks down in tears after scoring World Cup goal following death of child

Cody Gakpo cut an emotional figure after opening the scoring for the Netherlands against Morocco as he broke down in tears during his celebration

[Cody Gakpo produced an emotional celebration after scoring for the Netherlands]

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Cody Gakpo produced an emotional celebration after scoring for the Netherlands(Image: Getty Images)

Cody Gakpo broke down in tears after scoring for Netherlands against Morocco at the World Cup - a matter of days following the loss of his unborn son.

The 27-year-old Liverpool forward scored to put the Netherlands in front in the 72nd minute, smashing home from inside the box after Crysencio Summerville poked the ball into his path. Gakpo immediately fell to the ground with his head to the grass as he was overwhelmed by the moment.

His Netherlands teammates then rushed around to support him after a difficult 72 hours since the announcement. Micky van de Ven gave him a kiss on the head as Gakpo broke down in tears before covering his face with his shirt while Virgil van Dijk embraced him.

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The ex-PSV man pointed up to the sky in tribute to his unborn child as he walked back to the centre circle. He then allowed himself to enjoy the goal with a smile as he joined Summerville in celebration.

Gakpo and his girlfriend, Noa van der Bij, were expecting their second son and confirmed the news in May. However, in two Instagram stories on Saturday, Van der Bij revealed that the couple had suffered a miscarriage.

The announcement prompted an overwhelming wave of support for Gakpo and his loved ones, though the Liverpool forward decided to remain with the Netherlands squad ahead of their Round of 32 clash against Morocco at Estadio Monterrey on Tuesday morning.

[Cody Gakpo after scoring for the Netherlands]

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Cody Gakpo after scoring for the Netherlands(Image: Getty Images)

Speaking pre-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."

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.

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