Family life is intersecting with the World Cup for some players, as Norway's Leo Østigård followed the birth of his first child via video link and Belgium's Jérémy Doku considers leaving the squad to be with his wife, potentially missing a key match.
Østigård's long-distance support
Østigård, who has been receiving parenting tips from teammate Erling Haaland, provided remote support to his partner, Aurora Eidmann, as she gave birth to their son on Friday. “I’m completely exhausted myself, it was absolutely amazing. She did so well, there wasn’t much I could say, I just had to help her work and get him out. I’m proud, amazing,” the 26-year-old said in a video published by the Norwegian FA. “When I saw him for the first time, I was blown away. It’s absolutely insane. I’m so happy and proud. It’s definitely the greatest thing I’ve ever experienced.”
Shortly after the birth, Østigård said his hotel room was invaded by teammates. “Four lads came jumping into the room. It was probably Sander [Berge], Erling and Jørgen [Strand Larsen].”
Doku's dilemma
Doku's wife, Shireen, is due to give birth in the second week of July, when the quarter-finals are scheduled. Doku told Reuters: “If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that football involves many other considerations. I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We’ll see what we can do.”
Belgium's campaign started with a 1-1 draw against Egypt, and Doku missing a match would depend on them advancing from their group and winning two knockout ties. However, his potential absence has drawn criticism. France Pierron, a French television journalist for L’Équipe, said: “You’re living out a childhood dream, yet you’re going to walk away from it all to attend the birth of your child – a disgusting moment, if you’ll pardon the expression, where the dad is completely useless.”
Backlash and context
Pierron's remarks provoked a considerable backlash, with the newspaper Libération describing them as “the reaction of another age”. She later posted: “I was expressing a personal opinion within the context of a debate. These remarks are solely my own and in no way reflect a collective position. I understand that they may have shocked, offended, or hurt some of you, and I am sorry for that. My intention was never to minimise the place or role of fathers with their partners and children.”
As it stands, Doku will miss Belgium's Group G game against Iran on Sunday due to a respiratory infection. Meanwhile, Østigård can focus on playing Senegal in Group I at the New York New Jersey Stadium with a weight off his mind. He said: “I think it makes me a little more relaxed, that everything has gone well, because you never know. Now it’s just joy and I’m very happy that things are good, and that my boy is out.”
