Boulahrouz to stay on despite tragedy

Netherlands defender Khalid Boulahrouz will stay with their Euro 2008 squad despite a family tragedy, coach Marco van Basten said on Thursday.

Boulahrouz's wife was taken to hospital with pregnancy complications and the couple's prematurely-born daughter later died.

"I understand it is very difficult for Khalid and we will all try to support him however we can," Van Basten told a news conference.

The Dutch play Russia in the quarter-finals in Basel on Saturday but Van Basten said the defender would be given the freedom to leave the team's hotel whenever he wanted.

"He can always go to be with his wife," said the coach. "These are important matters, we all realise that only too well.

"He thanked everyone for their support. I think he acted very maturely."

Boulahrouz started all three of Netherlands' group victories in the tournament.

Boulahrouz's wife was taken to hospital with pregnancy complications and the couple's prematurely-born daughter later died.

"I understand it is very difficult for Khalid and we will all try to support him however we can," Van Basten told a news conference.

The Dutch play Russia in the quarter-finals in Basel on Saturday but Van Basten said the defender would be given the freedom to leave the team's hotel whenever he wanted.

"He can always go to be with his wife," said the coach. "These are important matters, we all realise that only too well.

"He thanked everyone for their support. I think he acted very maturely."

Boulahrouz started all three of Netherlands' group victories in the tournament.