Finland’s historical win against Denmark overshadowed by Eriksen collapse

Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed after 41 minutes and received CPR on the pitch as his visibly distressed teammates surrounded him and fans around the world watched in shock. The game at Parken stadium in Copenhagen was suspended by UEFA following the medical emergency.

Eriksen collapsed near the left touchline just before halftime of the game while he was receiving a thrown ball. His teammates Martin Braithwaite and Thomas Delaney rushed to assist him, with Delaney furiously signaling for medical assistance.

Match referee Anthony Taylor stopped the game just a few seconds after Eriksen collapsed and beckoned for medical support to the field. Denmark’s captain Simon Kjær has reportedly cleared the airway and started CPR before the medical staff reached.

Before the medical staff reached, Simon Kjaer was by Christian Eriksen side and reportedly cleared his airway and started CPR. ❤️ #EURO2020 #DENFIN

Simon Kjaer. HERO. 👏 pic.twitter.com/b4ghZ6R0DD

— FGFootball (@fgfootball_) June 12, 2021

Eriksen was treated for 10 minutes on the field, while his teammates formed a ring
around him with concern as CPR was administered. But soon carried off on a stretcher.

UEFA later stated the match was suspended due to a medical emergency, but positive news followed with the Denmark football team stating their midfielder was conscious and set for further treatment after being taken to the hospital.

The match has been suspended due to a medical emergency which involved Denmark’s Christian Eriksen. The player in now in hospital and in a stable condition.

UEFA wishes Christian Eriksen a full and speedy recovery and wishes to thank both teams for their exemplary attitude.

— UEFA (@UEFA) June 12, 2021

Later the game resumed and Finland beat Denmark 1-0 with the goal scored by Joel Pohjanpalo at the 59th minute of the game. Denmark had a chance to equalize from a spot-kick but Hojbjerg’s poor penalty kick was saved by Hradecky.

People and teams around the world sent messages to Eriksen on social media following the concerning incident.

Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku paid tribute to his Inter team-mate on opening the scoring, saying to the TV cameras “Chris, I love you”.

"Chris, Chris! I love you."

Romelu Lukaku's message straight to camera after scoring Belgium's opening goal of the tournament. pic.twitter.com/ANbzNVetSC

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 12, 2021

After his match, Lukaku said: “I enjoyed the game but for me, it was difficult to play because my mind was with my team-mate, Christian Eriksen.”I cried a lot because I was scared. You live strong moments together. I spent more time with him than with my family. My thoughts are with him, his girlfriend, his two kids, and his family.”