Denmark's players during anxious minutes
Finland's first victory in the finals debut, a minor football sensation on normal days, has been overshadowed by the tragic collapse of Denmark's Christian Eriksen. “It was a very emotional night for us,” said the Finnish team boss Markku Kanerva after the historic first victory of “Suomi” at a major tournament. The sporting work-up after the outsider's 1-0 win against Denmark was difficult, but took place.
Striker Teemu Pukki revealed after “one of the most difficult matches of my career” that his team had followed the will of the opponent. “We decided to do what the Danish team would decide and we were ready to go along with each of their decisions.”
Denmark playmaker Eriksen (29) collapsed before the end of the first half on the square of Copenhagen's Parken Stadium and had to be reanimated. His condition is stable and he is in a hospital in Copenhagen. During a conversation on Sunday morning, the 29-year-old gave his teammates his greetings, said the Danish football association DBU.
1:48 hours after the incident, the game resumed at 8:30 p.m. It was definitely difficult to get back on the pitch, said Pukki. “But when we heard that everything seemed fine, we focused on the game again.”
Joel Pohjanpalo overcame Kasper Schmeichel with a durable header (60th), while Denmark's Pierre-Emil Hojbjerg failed with a penalty from Finland goalie Lukas Hradecky. Pukki: “In the end we are happy with the win.” Finland captain Tim Sparv tweeted after the game: “Football is so insignificant when something like this happens. Life is precious. Take care of each other.”
The Danes, who clearly determined the game before the tragedy, ultimately showed that even highly talented professionals are not machines. “I completely understand that you can't play a football game at this level after you've watched one of your best friends fight for their life,” said a visibly worn out team boss Kasper Hjulmand at the subsequent press conference.
The players had the option to finish the match on Saturday or Sunday, Hjulmand said, adding that there was no pressure from UEFA. “It was easier to go straight into the game (again) and, to be honest, just get it over with,” said Hjulmand.
Some, like veteran Simon Kjaer, were too affected to finish the game. “I understand that perfectly,” said Hjulmand, he said, “I couldn't be more proud of this group who look after each other so well during this time when a loved one is fighting for their life. It was a very tough one Day and we were all reminded what is the most important thing in life. “
“Denmark has lost – life has won”, was the headline of the Danish tabloid “Ekstra Bladet”, while the Spanish “Marca” concluded: “We already have the European champion: the doctors.”
