Serey Die’s tears ahead of the Group C match between Ivory Coast and Colombia were for his father who had passed away a mere two hours earlier.
The brave FC Basel midfielder broke down as the Ivory Coast national anthem played out ahead of their Group C game against Colombia on Thursday night.
Sporting a blond mohawk, Die tried to keep a stiff upper lip in an attempt to sing the words of his nations anthem but just couldn’t control his tears. However, teammates were seen comforting the player during the anthems, which indicated his tears were borne of something more troubling.
It was later revealed that the tears were the result of Die’s father, who according reports, passed away just hours before the game. After the game, there was an outpouring of support for the player, led by Kevin Prince Boateng, who posted a tribute to Dies on his Instagram page.
The Ivory Coast international Die showed true dedication to his country by playing on. Defender Serge Aurier and former Tottenham man Didier Zokora were quick to console Die before the match got underway.
Unfortunately the match didn’t go according to plan for the Ivory Coast as Didier Drogba lost the game 2-1. James Rodriguez and Juan Fernando Quintero scored for Colomboa while former Arsenal man Gervinho netted a consolation for the Elephants.
After Colombia were awarded a free-kick by referee Howard Webb following Die’s tussle with Juan Camilo Zuniga, the Ivory Coast man swiftly fell to the floor with his hands over his face before letting out a roar of frustration.