Gakpo will start against Morocco despite losing unborn son

Gakpo lost his unborn son, will start Tuesday

Cody Gakpo and his girlfriend lost their unborn son last Saturday, just days before the Netherlands' Round of 16 match against Morocco (2) (3). Ronald Koeman confirmed the news and said the squad has done everything to support him. "I am impressed by how he is handling this," Koeman said, confirming Gakpo will start in Monterrey (2) (3).

Netherlands face Morocco in the Monterrey heat

Your team plays Morocco in the World Cup Round of 16 on Tuesday, 30 June, at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey (1) (6) (7). It is the first knockout match of the tournament for Oranje, and the first World Cup game the Netherlands has ever played in Mexico (7). The heat is expected to be a factor (6).

The only other meeting: Orlando 1994

These two sides have met once before at a World Cup, 32 years ago in Orlando. Stan Valckx started that day in a Netherlands side that won late, back when Morocco were considered a much smaller football nation (8).

KNVB and Moroccan FA met ahead of the match

The KNVB held a meeting with the Moroccan football federation before the Round of 16 clash. The federation described the match as one played in the spirit of sportivity, respect, and connection (9).

Koeman on penalties: the plan

Koeman has shared his thinking on how the Netherlands is preparing for a possible penalty shootout against Morocco (4). A NU.nl podcast was skeptical: "This man is not going to win Oranje a penalty series" (5).

Van Dijk pushes back on Mexican crowd fears

A Moroccan journalist asked Virgil van Dijk whether he was worried about Mexican fans backing Morocco in the stadium. Van Dijk pushed back: "I hear different reports than you do" (11).

Morocco coach: the format is not ideal

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi acknowledged the World Cup format is not ideal for his side heading into the Tuesday match but said his team is not looking for excuses (12).