An emotional Kasper Hjulmand has hailed the unity 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.
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Shortly before halftime at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Eriksen suddenly dropped to the ground as he ran back from the Finland penalty area, leaving players from both teams in clear distress.
Referee Anthony Taylor immediately called for assistance with hush falling over the crowd of 16,000 fans as the 29-year-old Eriksen received prolonged medical treatment.
Team doctor Morten Boesen said post-game that Eriksen received life-saving cardiac massage on the pitch and that the midfielder spoke to him before being transported to hospital where his condition was said to have stabilised.
UEFA confirmed players from both sides requested the Group B fixture be finished with the restart an hour and 45 minutes later, after news that Eriksen had regained consciousness.
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 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," Hjulmand said.
"It's meaningful relationships. It's those people who are close to us. It's family and friends.
"All thoughts are with Christian and his family. Christian is one of the best footballers, but he is an even better person."
Players were given the option to finish the game or return on Sunday, Hjulmand said, adding there had been no pressure from UEFA to finish the match on Saturday.
Several players, including captain Simon Kjaer, were too upset to finish the game.
"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 said.
"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. "
Hjulmand will now try to regroup the squad before their next game against world No.1 Belgium on June 17.
"We will talk about it tonight, try to process it and move on together," he said.
Australian Associated Press
