LAUSANNE, Switzerland:

Netherlands defender Khalid Boulahrouz has lost his prematurely born daughter Anissa, leaving the family and his teammates distraught, the team said Thursday.

"Players and staff of the Dutch team are upset by the death of Anissa, the daughter of Khalid Boulahrouz and his wife Sabia, who was born prematurely," the Dutch soccer federation said in a statement.

The defender was taken away from training Wednesday after his wife was hospitalized with pregnancy complications. She had followed the championships with the other players' partners and girlfriends.

Boulahrouz had started in all three of the Dutch games so far.

The Netherlands plays Russia in the quarterfinals of the European Championship on Saturday.

Just awful for the man :P

That's sad. He was in great form.

And anyway, what has happened is an awful thing.

RIP Anissa Boulahrouz.

That is terribly sad.. I feel for both parents :P

:P What awful news, thoughts are with all the Boulahrouz family.

Very sad, R.I.P. :angry:

RIP

Awful news........our thought are with him & his wife!!

REST IN PEACE

Terrible. One of the worst things that could happen to anyone.

Awful awful news that really puts football in perspective. :angry:

Best wishes to Khalid and his family and friends, and most of all, may his daughter rest in peace. God help them

horrible news, very sad. I've heard he's joined up with holland again. takes a lot of guts.

r.i.p.

horrible news, very sad. I've heard he's joined up with holland again. takes a lot of guts.

r.i.p.

Very sad news. Best wishes to him and his wife from everyone connected to Chelsea.

Heartbreaking news. My thoughts are with Boula and his wife :D

:D Sad news..

So sad to hear that awful News , my prayers go out to Boulha and his family..

Really sad news best wishes to him and his family

Terrible news for him and he was playing so well - I was pleased to see that when I was watching the games recently.

My thoughts are with him and his family.

That kind of pain doesn't bear thinking about. Whatever happens to that poor family from now until the end of time I hope they have the strength to get through this heartache and then never experience a sad day ever again. They have suffered more than anyone should ever have to.

That is very sad news about Boulha :(

Khalid decided to stay, and will probably play Saturday against Russia.

I really feel for him and his wife... :(

shows the character of the bloke, we all commended on the loss of lamps and the character he had, losing a child im guessing is even worse at least franks mum lived a full life, fair play i wanted germany to win euro 2008 because of ballack but now i have reason for the netherlands

RIP

Children should bring parents untold Joy, I feel incredibly sad for Boulah and his family now. RIP

Absolutely horrible news.

I wish him all the best. That must just be the worst...