BAKU (REUTERS) - Denmark have reached the Euro 2020 semi-finals on the back of an unbreakable bond generated by Christian Eriksen's cardiac arrest in the early stages of the tournament, coach Kasper Hjulmand said after Saturday's (July 3) 2-1 last-eight win over Czech Republic. Midfielder Eriksen collapsed during their opening 1-0 defeat by Finland on June 12 and is recovering after an on-pitch life-saving intervention by team mates and medical staff before he was rushed to a nearby hospital. "I still think about Christian every single day and that he should have been here," Hjulmand told a news conference after the Danes booked a semi-final clash with either England or Ukraine at Wembley next Wednesday. "We are happy that he survived and we carried him in our hearts all the way to this match and to Wembley. The fundamental values of football came through in those seconds and those days and we all remembered why we started to play football. "Christian has been a part of the team for a long time as this is not something we've built overnight and he is a big part of this result." Midfielder Delaney, man of the match after scoring Denmark's opener against the Czechs with a thumping header, added: "Christian said last night how proud he was of us. He's been our best player for many years and we carry him in our hearts. Making him proud is something that makes me feel happy." England were playing the Ukrainians in the last quarter-final later on Saturday in Rome. Italy will meet Spain in the other semi-final on Tuesday at Wembley, with the final set for the same venue on July 11. The Danes dominated the first half and were two up at the break after Kasper Dolberg added a superb second before Patrik Schick netted for the Czechs early in the second period and set up a tense finish in Baku. Hjulmand conceded his team were on the back foot in the second half but lauded the players for soaking up the Czech pressure in the closing stages. "We have an intense style of play based on attacking football which we are very proud of," he said. "I think we lacked some of that intensity today and we suffered at the end but what a great way to suffer." Denmark's Christian Eriksen, who collapsed on the pitch on June 12, posted a photo on Instagram saying he was fine. PHOTOS: AFP, INSTAGRAM Delaney stressed that Denmark were fired up to match past generations, namely the side that played some spectacular football at the 1986 World Cup and the team that were European champions in 1992. "My generation grew up admiring the history of Denmark's '86 and '92 sides and we are overjoyed that we have been able to give our fans a gift," he said. "Being in the semi-finals means we are in great company now. We have a goal and we don't care who we play next, we're going to Wembley and what an amazing journey it's been." More on this topic Related Story Football: Eriksen says he's 'doing well' as he is discharged from hospital Related Story Football: Denmark hold off Czech rally to keep Euro 2020 dream alive
COPENHAGEN (REUTERS) - Kevin de Bruyne came off the bench to inspire Belgium to a 2-1 comeback win over Denmark on Thursday (June 17) and a place in the Euro 2020 knockout stages on an emotional afternoon of tributes to Christian Eriksen. Denmark got off to a dream start when Yussuf Poulsen put them ahead after 99 seconds as the team rode a wave of sentiment over playmaker Eriksen’s cardiac arrest in their first game. The Danes dominated the first half but Belgium turned to a bench bursting with talent and De Bruyne, who came on right after the interval, laid on a sublime pass for Thorgan Hazard to level in the 54th minute after a galloping run by Romelu Lukaku. De Bruyne completed the comeback by finishing off another classy move to thump the ball into the net in the 74th minute. Denmark never gave up and had numerous attempts to equalise, striker Martin Braithwaite hitting the bar with a header and narrowly failing to connect with a cross. Belgium lead Group B with six points and became the second side after Italy to clinch their place in the last 16. Denmark have yet to earn a point and will need to win their final game against Russia and hope it is enough to get them through. Denmark keeper Kasper Schmeichel was hugely proud of his side’s performance, especially after the trauma of Eriksen’s collapse, and was in awe of the unified atmosphere made by the 25,000 fans present at Parken Stadium. “Everything that has been said about us is true. We fought to the last. We played a great game. It was not enough and we were not lucky. They put one of the world’s best players on the field (De Bruyne),” Schmeichel said. “I’ve experienced a lot, but nothing beats this. It sounded like there were 75,000 fans. We would like to have rewarded them with a point or a victory.” Team spirit Belgium’s Lukaku also praised the Danes’ spirit both in the game and in their reaction to Eriksen, his Inter Milan team mate who is recovering in hospital. “I respect them as men. They saved my friend’s life and I appreciate that. Their character today was incredible,” he said. “I had to put my feelings to one side in the first half, because I was thinking of Christian. Denmark must continue to believe in it and complete the job against Russia.” More on this topic Related Story Football: Denmark and Belgium pause Euro clash to honour Eriksen Related Story Football: Yarmolenko inspires Ukraine to 2-1 win over North Macedonia Both sides’ fans and players participated in a tribute to Eriksen before kickoff as a giant Denmark shirt with the player’s name and number 10 was displayed on the pitch. The teams then stopped for a moment’s applause in the 10th minute and the Danish crowd unfurled a banner saying: “All of Denmark is with you Christian”. Denmark came alive in the atmosphere and pounced on a poor pass from Belgium’s Jason Denayer which allowed Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to feed Poulsen, who fired into the bottom corner. It was the second fastest goal in European Championship history, only trailing Dmitri Kirichenko’s for Russia against Greece in Euro 2004 after 67 seconds. Denmark's Christian Eriksen, who collapsed on the pitch on June 12, posted a photo on Instagram saying he was fine. PHOTOS: AFP, INSTAGRAM Denmark continued to overwhelm the 2018 World Cup semi-finalists with rapid, direct attacks and should have added to their lead, with Joakim Maehle and Mikkel Damsgaard going close. But Belgium made the Danes pay for not increasing their advantage. Lukaku burst down the right to take out two defenders and pass to De Bruyne, who showed remarkable poise to play in Hazard to score. The Manchester City midfielder, who missed the start of the tournament with a head injury, then provided an unstoppable finish as his side’s superior talent shone through. More on this topic Related Story Football: 'Are you back with us?' Eriksen doctor recalls ordeal Related Story Denmark's Eriksen says 'I'm fine' from hospital after collapsing in Euro 2020 football match
COPENHAGEN (AFP) - Roberto Martinez said on Wednesday (June 17) that Belgium's Euro 2020 match with Denmark won't be the same without Christian Eriksen on the pitch as he recovers from his dramatic mid-match collapse. Belgium line up on Thursday at the Parken Stadium where Eriksen had to be revived by medics at the weekend following his sudden fall, and Martinez said he and his players wanted to pay tribute to the Danish playmaker ahead of the Group B match. "As a team there is a real intention just to show our wishes and thoughts to Christian," Martinez told reporters, adding that his team would make "some sort of gesture" at the start of the game. "Our message is football is not the same if Christian Eriksen is not on the football pitch. "All we want is a full recovery and to see Christian very, very soon on the Danish team and for Inter Milan and everyone in Belgium is joining into those wishes." The fans at the Parken Stadium will stage a minute's applause in the 10th minute of the game in support of Eriksen. "We need to celebrate the quick action from the doctors to make it such a speedy reaction," said Martinez. "Every player who is going to be on that pitch is going to know the importance (of the game) and what's at stake and the focus will shift quite quickly. But it should be a celebration from everyone." Martinez's team lead Group B and will be boosted by the return to action of Axel Witsel and Kevin De Bruyne. Denmark's Christian Eriksen, who collapsed on the pitch on June 12, posted a photo on Instagram saying he was fine. PHOTOS: AFP, INSTAGRAM More on this topic Related Story Denmark's Eriksen says 'I'm fine' from hospital after collapsing in Euro 2020 football match Related Story Football: Christian Eriksen 'stable' after Euro 2020 collapse, says Danish FA Witsel has recovered from an Achilles tendon injury which had kept him out since January, while De Bruyne is back after surgery on face fractures. "The programme is very clear for Kevin De Bruyne. He is medically fit, he's got the green light to play in a match situation," said Martinez. "One of the question is seeing how long Kevin can play and how we can use the two games we have in five days to try to bring him to 90 minutes. I'm really pleased with the progress he's making." Martinez added that the Timothy Castagne has undergone a "very successful operation" on Tuesday after suffering two facial fractures early in Saturday's 3-0 opening round victory over Russia. "Every other player, the 25, are fit and available for selection tomorrow," said Martinez. More on this topic Related Story Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen's ex-cardiologist says he had no history of heart concerns Related Story Football: Pukki says Denmark game among most difficult of career after Eriksen scare
COPENHAGEN (REUTERS) - Denmark's Christian Eriksen received life-saving cardiac massage treatment on the pitch after collapsing on Saturday (June 12) in his side's Euro 2020 opening match with Finland but was able to speak before being taken to hospital, team doctor Morten Boesen said. Eriksen was surrounded by his teammates while being treated on the pitch and then stretchered away. The game was eventually restarted an hour and 45 minutes later after news came through that he had regained consciousness. "We were called onto the field when Christian collapsed. He was lying on his side when we approached him and there was respiration and pulse," Boesen told a news conference after the game, which Finland won 1-0 with their only goal attempt of the match. "But that picture changed and he then received life-saving cardiac massage. We quickly got help from the stadium doctor and we got Christian back," he said. "Christian spoke to me before he was taken to the hospital," said Boesen. Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand said several of his players had been too overwhelmed by the incident to finish the match. "I completely understand that you can't play a soccer match at this level after watching one of your best friends fight for his life," a visibly drained Hjulmand said at the news conference. Players were given the option to finish the game on Saturday evening or on Sunday, Hjulmand said, adding there had been no pressure from Uefa to finish the match on Saturday. "It was more manageable to go in again and honestly just get it over with," Hjulmand said. Denmark's Christian Eriksen 'awake' after collapsing More on this topic Related Story Football: Denmark’s Eriksen ‘awake’ in hospital after collapsing at Euro 2020 Related Story Football: Denmark players too overwhelmed to finish Finland game after Eriksen collapse, says coach Several players, including captain Simon Kjaer who plays for Milan in Italy, were too upset to finish the game, he said. "Simon Kjaer was deeply, deeply touched. He was in doubt whether he could continue and gave it a shot, but ultimately he couldn't. I completely understand that," Hjulmand said. A hush fell over the crowd of 16,000 fans while Eriksen received treatment on the pitch, and outside bars around central Copenhagen people gathered, many in tears, while the player's condition remained unclear. Hjulmand said the players came together in the dressing room, supporting each other and allowing themselves to show their emotions. "I cannot be more proud of this group of people who take such good care of each other at this time, when a loved one is fighting for his life," he said. "It was a very tough night and we were all reminded what's the most important in life." More on this topic Related Story Football: Finland snatch Euro 2020 win over Denmark after Eriksen collapse drama Related Story Football: Players who have collapsed on the pitch
COPENHAGEN (REUTERS) - Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand said several of his players were too overwhelmed with emotion to finish their opening Euro 2020 match against Finland on Saturday (June 12), after teammate Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch and was rushed to the hospital. Eriksen was surrounded by his teammates while being treated on the pitch and then stretchered away. The game was eventually restarted an hour and 45 minutes later after news came through that he had regained consciousness. Finland won 1-0 with their only goal attempt of the match. "I completely understand that you can't play a soccer match at this level after watching one of your best friends fight for his life," a visibly drained Hjulmand told a press conference after the game. Players were given the option to finish the game on Saturday evening or on Sunday, Hjulmand said, adding there had been no pressure from Uefa to finish the match on Saturday. "It was more manageable to go in again and honestly just get it over with," Hjulmand said. Several players, including captain Simon Kjaer who plays for Milan in Italy, were too upset to finish the game, he said. "Simon Kjaer was deeply, deeply touched. He was in doubt whether he could continue and gave it a shot, but ultimately he couldn't. I completely understand that," Hjulmand said. A hush fell over the crowd of 16,000 fans while Eriksen received treatment on the pitch, and outside bars around central Copenhagen people gathered, many in tears, while the player's condition remained unclear. Denmark's players escort Denmark's midfielder Christian Eriksen (centre) as he is evacuated after collapsing on the pitch. PHOTO: AFP Hjulmand said the players came together in the dressing room, supporting each other and allowing themselves to show their emotions. "I cannot be more proud of this group of people who take such good care of each other at this time, when a loved one is fighting for his life," he said. "It was a very tough night and we were all reminded what's the most important in life." Team doctor Morten Boesen said at the press conference that Eriksen received life-saving cardiac massage on the pitch. Boesen added that he talked with Eriksen before he was taken to the hospital, while soccer officials said the player's condition was stable. Denmark's Christian Eriksen 'awake' after collapsing More on this topic Related Story Football: Denmark’s Eriksen ‘awake’ in hospital after collapsing at Euro 2020 Related Story Football: Finland snatch Euro 2020 win over Denmark after Eriksen collapse drama