Morocco await Netherlands in last 16 as Gakpo grieves

Netherlands face Morocco in the last 16 on Monday night

Your next opponent is confirmed. Netherlands play Morocco in the World Cup round of 16, Monday night (4) (5). The knockout bracket is now fully set, with the winner of this tie facing either Spain or Germany in the quarter-final (2). Morocco won Group C, scoring early and defending deep against Brazil in their opener. A physical, tense match awaits.

Gakpo asks for privacy after loss of baby

Cody Gakpo and his partner lost their son during childbirth at the World Cup. The news broke Saturday. Gakpo released a short statement: "We ask that our privacy be respected" (8). The squad are rallying around him. Teammate Wout Weghorst and the coaching staff have offered full support, and the Dutch press have called on the team to channel the emotion into the Morocco match (1). No decision yet on whether Gakpo will be available Monday.

Kramer defends De Jong against criticism

Frenkie de Jong has taken heat for his performances in the group stage. Michiel Kramer, the former Feyenoord and Sparta striker, pushed back hard: "He is one of the best in the world" (7). Kramer argued that De Jong's deep-lying role under Koeman means his work goes unnoticed, and pointed to Brian Brobbey's goals as proof the system is functioning (7).

Pascal Struijk to Brighton

Brighton have a deal in place for Pascal Struijk. The Leeds defender moves to the Premier League as the replacement for Jan Paul van Hecke, who is expected to leave this summer (6). Tottenham also showed interest, but Brighton won the race (6). The transfer will be finalised after the World Cup.

Fan reactions

The mood among Netherlands supporters is split between anticipation for Monday and heartbreak over Gakpo's news. Most threads are focused on the Morocco matchup, with fans debating whether Malen should be dropped for Summerville. The Gakpo story has brought a quieter, more protective tone to the discourse, several posts simply read "win it for him." Read the full discussion on r/Eredivisie.