MX23RW : Sunday, November 24 12:27:18| >> :600:163537:163537:
[monks data]
Denmark national football team
European Championship | Group Stage
Jun 12, 2021 at 5pm UK
Telia Parken
Finland national football team

Denmark
0 - 1
Finland

FT(HT: 0-0)
Pohjanpalo (60')
Lod (4'), Sparv (51')

Kasper Hjulmand lets emotion take over following Christian Eriksen collapse

Kasper Hjulmand lets emotion take over following Christian Eriksen collapse
© Reuters
Both sets of teams were applauded back on to the pitch.

An emotional Kasper Hjulmand hailed the togetherness of his Denmark squad for returning to complete their opening match of Euro 2020 against Finland after midfielder Christian Eriksen had collapsed and was taken to hospital.

Shortly before half-time at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, former Tottenham playmaker Eriksen suddenly dropped to the ground as he ran back from the Finland penalty area, leaving players from both teams in clear distress.

English referee Anthony Taylor immediately called medics on to the pitch and Eriksen underwent prolonged treatment, with compressions performed on the chest of the 29-year-old Inter Milan player before he was taken to hospital for further treatment, where his condition was said to have stabilised.

UEFA confirmed players from both sides requested the Group B fixture be finished on Saturday evening, which restarted at 8:30pm local time (7:30pmBST).

After both sets of teams were applauded back on to the pitch, the remaining five minutes of the first half were played out at a low tempo ahead of a short half-time break.

Finland went on to win the match 1-0 with a goal from Joel Pohjanpalo in the 58th minute as Denmark later saw a penalty from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg saved.

Denmark's Andreas Christensen (left), and Andreas Skov Olsen leave the pitch
Denmark players endured a difficult evening in Copenhagen (Friedemann Vogel/Pool via AP)

Denmark boss Hjulmand was in tears at the post-match press conference, reflecting on the most traumatic of experiences for all involved.

"It was a really tough evening, one on which we've all been reminded what the most important things in life are. It's meaningful relationships. It's those people who are close to us. It's family and friends," Hjulmand said.

"All thoughts are with Christian and his family. Christian is one of the best footballers, but he is an even better person.

"It was more unmanageable to have to restart tomorrow. It was more unmanageable than going back out now and getting it all put behind us."

Hjulmand added: "I could not be more proud of this team, who take good care of each other.

"There are players in there who are completely finished emotionally. Players who on another day could not play this match. They are supporting each other. It was a traumatic experience.

"There is such a thing as everyone being able to say no. I said that no matter what, everything would be OK. You should be able to show aggression and joy, so it was something making room for all the emotions.

"You can't play a football match at this level without being aggressive. It can't be done."

Hjulmand will now try to regroup the squad ahead of their next game against Belgium on June 17.

"Regardless of where these things happen, there is the opportunity to get help," he said.

"We are trying to pick ourselves up now and get ourselves sorted as much as we can. We have professionals with us.

"We will talk about it tonight, try to process it and move on together."

For Finland, it was a first win on their debut in a major international tournament.

Manager Markku Kanerva also reflected on a difficult night for his players.

"I said to them that I understood the emotions of the game and how they would feel after what had happened to Christian," Kanerva told a press conference.

"I said to them 'try to focus as much as you can on the game'. I said I know it will be difficult to do that, but they coped really well."

Kanerva added: "(On our) first time in a major tournament and an opening game against Denmark in their home stadium. When we heard the national anthems, it was very emotional for us.

"And then what happened with Christian Eriksen – a very dramatic and sad incident. And then finally, we get a good result from the game.

"Of course I am happy for that. Unbelievable. We are going to remember this for a long time for different reasons."

Finland forward Teemu Pukki, the Norwich striker, said: "We are of course delighted for the result, even though the evening left much more to think about."

ID:451159: cacheID:451159:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:10026:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Denmark's Thomas Delaney, Andreas Christensen and teammates stand in front of Christian Eriksen as he receives medical attention at Euro 2020 on June 12, 2021
Read Next:
BBC apologises for Christian Eriksen coverage
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Vikings
@
Bears
6pm
Lions
@
Colts
6pm
Patriots
@
Dolphins
6pm
Buccaneers
@
Giants
6pm
Chiefs
@
Panthers
6pm
Titans
@
Texans
6pm
Cowboys
@
Washington
9.05pm
Broncos
@
Raiders
9.25pm
49ers
@
Packers
9.25pm
Cardinals
@
Seahawks
Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Germany Germany32107
Q Switzerland Switzerland31205
3 Hungary Hungary31023
4 Scotland flag Scotland30121

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Spain Spain33009
Q Italy Italy31114
3 Croatia Croatia30212
4 Albania national flag Albania30121

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
Q England flag England31205
Q Denmark Denmark30303
Q Slovenia Slovenia30303
4 Serbia Serbia30212

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Austria Austria32016
Q France France31205
Q Netherlands Netherlands31114
4 Poland Poland30121

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Romania Romania31114
Q Belgium Belgium31114
Q Slovakia Slovakia31114
4 Ukraine Ukraine31114

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Turkey Turkey32016
Q Georgia Georgia31114
4 Czech Republic Czech Republic30121


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!