Eriksen's teammates were shocked
The Danish international Christian Eriksen, who collapsed in the preliminary round match between Denmark and Finland, is in stable condition. The Danish Football Association said the 29-year-old Inter-Milan player was “awake” in the hospital and had already been able to speak to his teammates. His condition is “okay”. However, Eriksen still has to undergo a few medical tests.
Eriksen collapsed on the field of play against Finland just before the end of the first half. Rescue workers then began resuscitation on the lawn. The Danish players formed a circle around Eriksen to protect their teammates from prying eyes. As seen on television pictures, some of them and viewers burst into tears. Eriksen was later taken from the square on a stretcher, shielded by tarpaulins, and transported to the Rigshospitalen clinic in Copenhagen.
The Uefa spoke of a “stable” state of the Dane. “Moments like these put everything in life in the right light,” said Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin. Eriksen's club Inter Milan, with whom he was Italian champion this year, wished him a speedy recovery via Twitter: “Forza Chris, all our thoughts are with you.” The ÖFB reacted to Twitter, as did numerous associations and players from all over Europe. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Christian,” was communicated in English. On the Twitter account of Austria's double champion Red Bull Salzburg it was said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Christian Eriksen. Keep fighting!”
Peter Möller from the Danish Football Association DBU said: “We had contact with him, the players spoke to Christian.” This is “great news”. Eriksen is doing “well and they are playing the game for him,” added Möller, referring to Eriksen and his teammates. The Uefa stated that the continuation of the game was decided at the request of the “players of both teams”. After the game was interrupted for more than an hour and a half, the remaining minutes of the first half were played to the end at around 8.30 p.m. Finland finally won the game 1-0.
