Christian Eriksen Picture Credit: Getty Images
There was a sense of relief after the end of a emotional night in Copenhagen as the Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen was awake and "stable" in hospital. Having collapsed shortly before half-time in Denmark's opening Euro 2020 game against Finland, the attacking midfielder received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from the medics on the pitch.
UEFA suspended the match for more than an hour after Eriksen was stricken. The Denmark Football Union later confirmed that Eriksen was conscious and receiving further treatment in hospital. The game was later resumed at the request of both teams and the players, who were relieved that their teammate had managed to pull through. It was also reported that Eriksen had a conversation with his teammates and he asked them to go ahead with the match.
We managed to get Christian back: Denmark’s team doctor
Denmark’s team doctor Martin Boesen spoke in a post-match news conference and revealed how the events had unfolded on the pitch.
"We were called on the pitch when Christian fell down, I didn't see myself but it was pretty clear he was unconscious," Boesen said.
"When I get to him, he's on his side. He is breathing and I can see pulse but suddenly that changes, and as everyone saw we started giving him CPR.
"The help came really, really fast from the medical team and the rest of the staff, and with their cooperation we did what we did to do. We managed to get Christan back He spoke to me before he was taken to hospital."
‘I can’t praise my players enough’: Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand
Denmark eventually lost their opening Group B game 1-0. Head coach Kasper Hjulmand praised his players after they returned to the field to complete the match. Most players were visibly distraught at Eriksen's condition.
"Everyone agreed to play, and what we tried to do was incredible," said an emotional Hjulmand.
"We have a group of players I can't praise enough. I couldn't be prouder of these people who take such good care of each other.
"They decide first of all not to do anything until we were sure that Christian was conscious, and that everything was OK.
"So we had two options, either finish the game tonight or play tomorrow at midday. Everyone agreed on playing today... The fact that the players tried to play the second and dominate... I'm very affected.
"All our thoughts and prayers are to Christian and his family right now. He's one of the best players there is and he's an even better person."