Elfthal catches Gakpo
Dutch World Cup star plays despite devastating news
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June 29, 2026 | 6:07 am
The Netherlands go into the first knockout match against Morocco with great respect, but also want to win the round of 16 for Cody Gakpo. The Liverpool striker is likely ready for action despite the blow of fate.
Dutch striker Cody Gakpo is available for Elfthal in the first knockout match of the World Cup despite his personal tragedy. This was announced by Bond’s coach Ronald Koeman ahead of the round of 16 against Morocco in Monterrey. (Tuesday, 3 am on MagentaTV and live on ntv.de) With. “He’s ready to play,” Koeman said. “I don’t think it will affect his performance much.”
Gakpo and his girlfriend Noa announced on social media that they had lost their son before he was born. Koeman spoke of “very sad news” but there was no moment when Gakpo wanted to leave the World Cup. “We did everything we could to support him,” Koeman said. He has great respect for Gakpo remaining on the team. “It shows what Elfthal means to him.”
“I have great respect”
The 27-year-old handles things his way, Koeman said, highlighting his player’s strength and maturity. Team cohesion was also excellent. Captain Virgil van Dijk, who is also Gakpo’s Liverpool teammate, paid tribute to the striker. “He’s very mature, very grown up. I have a lot of respect for the way he and his family are dealing with this, as terrible as it is,” van Dijk said.
It’s very sad, “but like coach said: Cody can handle it. He is looking forward to moving on to the next round. He will do everything he can. That’s what the focus is now.” However, the incident shows “that football is secondary. There are more important things in life.” Gakpo is a high priority for Orange. In the second group game with Sweden (5:1), he scored a double and made an assist.
Gakpo will start again against Morocco. The Dutch know that their strongest opponent at the moment awaits in Morocco. “It will be a difficult game in difficult conditions. But I’m looking forward to it. These are the games you want to take part in. Let’s go,” van Dijk. At the tournament in Qatar four years ago, Morocco became the first African team ever to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup.
Sources used: ntv.de, tno/sid/dpa.