It was a traumatic experience – Hjulmand on Eriksen’s collapse

Denmark faced Finland in their first group stage match of Euro 2020 yesterday. It was in the final minutes of the first half that Denmark playmaker

suddenly collapsed which shocked the players of both teams.

The referee

Anthony Taylor

immediately called the medics on to the pitch and they started resuscitating the 29-year-old star.

The match was put on hold and it was expected to be postponed, however, after Eriksen was taken to the hospital and his condition was said to have stabilized, it was decided to resume the match.

Denmark boss

Kasper Hjulmand

hailed his men at post-match press conference for pulling themselves together after such traumatic experience and returning to the pitch to complete their Euro 2020 opener.

“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.

“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 okay. 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.”

 The Danish tactician added:

“Regardless of where these things happen, there is the opportunity to get help.

“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.”

Finland manager

Markku Kanerva

also reflected on Eriksen’s ‘dramatic and sad incident’, saying it was 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 said at the 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.”

He added:

“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.”

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