‘WE GOT HIM BACK’
Denmark’s team doctor described the harrowing moment he realised player Christian Eriksen’s pulse had stopped as medics worked desperately to save him in front of traumatised players and a stunned crowd at a Euro 2020 match.
Medics gave the Inter Milan midfielder CPR on the pitch after he collapsed during the match against Finland in Copenhagen. He was later said to be “awake” in hospital in a stable condition.
“We were called on the pitch when Christian fell down, I didn’t see myself but it was pretty clear he was unconscious,” doctor Martin Boesen told a post-match media conference.
“When I get to him, he’s on his side. He is breathing . . . but suddenly that changes, and as everyone saw we started giving him CPR. The help came really, really fast from the medical team and the rest of the staff. We managed to get Christian back.”
Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand heaped praise on his players after they returned to the field to complete the match after many were visibly distraught at Eriksen’s plight.
Denmark lost its opening Group B game 1-0.
“Everyone agreed to play, and what we tried to do was incredible,” Hjulmand said.
“We have a group of players I can’t praise enough. I couldn’t be prouder of these people who take such good care of each other.
“They decide first of all not to do anything until we were sure that Christian was conscious, and that everything was OK.
“So we had two options, either finish the game tonight or play tomorrow at midday. Everyone agreed on playing today.”
Eriksen’s distraught wife, Sabrina Kvist Jensen, ran on to the pitch and was comforted by teammates. Crown Prince Frederik and his Australian wife, Princess Mary, were in the stands and were visibly shaken.