A classic encounter in store here as Portugal and Germany meet in the first of the Euro 2008 Qtr-finals tonight. Click here for the latest match odds!

Holland defender Khalid Boulahrouz will stay with their Euro 2008 squad despite a family tragedy, coach Marco van Basten has confirmed.

Boulahrouz’s pregnant wife was taken to hospital with 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.

Holland play Russia in the quarter-finals in Basle 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.”

A classic encounter in store here as Portugal and Germany meet in the first of the Euro 2008 Qtr-finals tonight. Click here for the latest match odds!