Image Courtesy: Sky Sports
Denmark’s players want to repay their fans at the European Championship after a moving homage to Christian Eriksen and a “magical” atmosphere generated by their fans.
They have one more chance to do so when they meet Russia in Copenhagen on Monday, knowing that a win might still get them to the next stage of Euro 2020.
The Danish team was still processing the numerous emotions from the previous evening’s game against Belgium at Parken Stadium, when a packed crowd paid Eriksen a minute’s applause after 10 minutes. Denmark gained an early lead in the game, but Belgium came back to win 2-1 in the second half.
The match against Belgium was Denmark’s first since Eriksen collapsed and needed to be resuscitated with a defibrillator in the tournament opener against Finland. Despite their defeat, the Denmark players were serenaded and received a standing ovation from the entire crowd.
The support from spectators, according to Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand, was ‘overwhelming’ all the way from the team’s training camp outside Copenhagen to the stadium.
After a 90-minute break, play resumed with Denmark losing 1-0 to Finland. Denmark, despite having 0 points after two games, still has a realistic chance of progressing from Group B.
If Belgium defeats Finland, a win against Russia could be enough.
“Now we have to finish the job on Monday,” Hojbjerg said.
After finishing with 23 shots in the first game compared to one for Finland, Hjulmand stated he couldn’t believe his team had zero points. The Danes had 22 total efforts against Belgium, compared to six for their opponents.
Eriksen will be placed with an implantable device that can act as a pacemaker and a defibrillator, according to the Danish soccer federation. He’s been in touch with his teammates on a daily basis and sent them a message of encouragement following the Belgium game.
Without a doubt, Denmark will continue to play for him.