World Cup: Netherlands beaten on penalties by Morocco after Cody Gakpo opener

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Cody Gakpo scored for the Netherlands in their World Cup last-32 tie with Morocco, which ended in defeat on penalties.

The Liverpool attacker was selected to start for his country overnight, alongside Reds teammates Ryan Gravenberch and Virgil van Dijk as they played out a 1-1 draw.

Gakpo was on target in the 72nd minute to open the scoring for the Dutch in Monterrey.

He fired home a loose ball in the area after a swift break forward, prompting emotional scenes following the recent tragic loss of his unborn son.

Morocco, however, levelled in the first minute of added time at the end of the contest through Issa Diop’s header, which sent the game to extra-time and ultimately penalties.

It was the African nation who prevailed in the shootout, claiming a 3-2 victory from the spot to advance into the last 16.