Cody Gakpo stays with Dutch squad despite family tragedy

Cody Gakpo, forward for Liverpool and the Netherlands, and his girlfriend Noa van der Bij announced via Instagram that their unborn son died during pregnancy. Despite the tragedy, Gakpo will remain with the Dutch World Cup squad in the United States. The couple posted a message on Instagram stating, “Met een gebroken hart delen we het afschuwelijke nieuws dat ons zoontje is overleden tijdens de zwangerschap.” The caption expressed gratitude for the support they received. Gakpo and van der Bij already have a first son, Samuël, born in 2024, and in May they announced they were expecting a second child. The name they had chosen for the baby was Elijah Raphael Gakpo. At the tournament, Gakpo has started three matches, scoring twice and providing one assist for the Netherlands. His contributions have been highlighted as part of the team's attacking options.

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The Netherlands entered the World Cup as group winners and are set to face Morocco in the round of 16 in Monterrey, Mexico, on Tuesday morning at 03:00 local time. The upcoming fixture is the next test for the Dutch side. The KNVB issued a statement expressing deep sympathy for Gakpo and his family, noting that the federation is supporting them where possible. It added that Gakpo, after discussion with his girlfriend, chose to stay with the squad.

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Marc Degryse commented after the Netherlands defeated Sweden, saying, “Deze prestatie maakt het werk van Koeman een stuk eenvoudiger.” The former player linked the victory to the coach's efforts. Kevin De Bruyne later celebrated a goal by kissing his arm, explaining, “Vandaag negen jaar getrouwd en da’s de tattoo van mijn kindjes.” The Belgian midfielder referenced his marriage and a tattoo of his children.