GUADALUPE, Mexico (AP) — After scoring in the 72nd minute, Kodi Gakpo immediately took a knee.
The 27-year-old forward covered his face in tears and later appeared to be praying, pointing to the sky as his teammates quickly rushed to congratulate him.
This is Gakpo’s third goal, world cupthis goal in the Round of 32 lost to morocco Monday was especially emotional for him.
On Saturday, Gakpo and his partner, model Noa van der Vij, announced the death of their unborn child.
Despite the sadness, Gakpo was determined to continue competing in the tournament.
“I think he handled it very well,” Dutch coach Ronald Koeman said before the game. “There was never a moment where he said he wanted to leave the team and go home. That says a lot about his maturity and how he can handle this situation.”
And just as Gakpo is a key contributor for Orange, his teammates were there to support him and his family during this difficult time.
“The most important thing is to ask, ‘What do you need?'” said Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk. “This is terrible news. It’s a reminder that football is secondary and there are more important things in life.”
Gakpo was brought on in place of Justin Kluivert in the 113th minute.
As he left the pitch, the Dutch fans behind the goal immediately rose to their feet and gave him a standing ovation. The applause only grew louder as Gakpo turned the corner to the bench. This is a tribute to the man who showed up for his team in the face of tragedy.
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Maya Calder Ramirez is a student at the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute. ____
See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here
