Finland beat Denmark 1-0 in their first major tournament game, but the Euro 2020 Group B match will be remembered for Christian Eriksen, who had collapsed on the pitch.
Denmark and Inter Milan midfielder Eriksen is in a stable condition in hospital, the Danish FA said, after he dropped to the ground following a cardiac arrest at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.
The good news, however, is that Eriksen is now stable following the freak incident on the pitch that left both teams’ players in complete distress. The game was suspended indefinitely at that point in time but restarted after the players were informed that Eriksen was okay and stable.
English referee Anthony Taylor immediately called medics onto the pitch and Eriksen underwent prolonged treatment with compressions performed on his chest before he was taken to hospital as the doctor claimed they had lost him for a few minutes.
Finland, appearing in their first major international tournament, scored against the run of play with their first attempt on goal at the hour mark. Jere Uronen’s cross from the left side was headed home by Joel Pohjanpalo, as Kasper Schmeichel failed to keep the shot out as the ball slipped from his grasp.
Denmark were awarded a penalty in the 72nd minute remaining as RB Leipzig’s Yussuf Poulsen was brought down following a slight clip by Paulus Arajuuri. However, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg struck his spot-kick into the hands of Lukas Hradecky, who guessed correctly.
UEFA confirmed players from both sides requested the Group B Euro 2020 encounter be finished, which was goalless just before half-time.
