Cody Gakpo's emotional strike lifts Netherlands against Morocco

Cody Gakpo delivered the decisive opening goal for the Netherlands as they took the lead against Morocco, striking moments after a rapid counter‑attack that followed the hydration break, with his shot rattling the post and beating goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the early stages. The Netherlands found the encounter with Morocco challenging, with the Moroccan side threatening for much of the first half. A Moroccan goal lingered in the air for an extended period before the decisive moment. After the hydration break, the Dutch side launched a rapid counter‑attack led by Crysencio Summerville. Summerville, a forward for West Ham United, was fouled but still managed to deliver the ball to Cody Gakpo. Gakpo's strike rattled the post and squeezed past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

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Earlier that Saturday, Cody Gakpo and his partner Noa van der Bij disclosed that their unborn child had died during the pregnancy. The sad news was announced before the match against Tunisia but only became public after that game. Immediately following the goal, the entire Netherlands squad, including substitutes, rushed to embrace Cody Gakpo. Tears and visible emotion were evident on the Liverpool forward as teammates gathered around him.

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The goal gave the Netherlands the lead over Morocco, shifting the match momentum in their favour. The emotional scene underscored the significance of Gakpo's contribution for the Dutch side.