CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN COLLAPSES DURING DENMARK'S 0-1 DEFEAT TO FINLAND

Photo credit: Friedemann Vogel (Pool/Getty Images)

A freak incident involving Christian Eriksen overshadowed Finland’s 1-0 win over Denmark at Euro 2020.

In the final few minutes of the first half, the Danish midfielder collapsed suddenly in the corner of the pitch and had to receive immediate medical attention, including resuscitation.

The Inter Milan playmaker had awoken by the time he was taken to hospital and was talking again soon after.

The match had been suspended but going along with Eriksen’s wishes, the remainder of the match was played out after a 90-minute delay.

An understandably shell-shocked Denmark side were unable to regain the rhythm they’d enjoyed prior to their team-mate’s collapse and Joel Pohjanpalo headed home the only goal of the game from close range just before the hour mark.

Kasper Hjulmand’s side won a controversial penalty fifteen minutes later but Pierre-Emile’s Hojbjerg’s poor spot-kick was easily saved by Lukas Hradecky.

It should have been a famous day for Finland, their first ever game at a major tournament ending in triumph.

However, all thoughts will be with Christian Eriksen tonight.

Huge credit must be given to the responses from referee Anthony Taylor, the Danish players, particularly Kasper Schmeichel and Simon Kjaer, and especially to the medical team on hand.

All that matters now is for the 29-year-old to make as full a recovery as possible.