BELGIUM’S

But nobody could begrudge them after they overcame the horror of Eriksen’s cardiac arrest on the pitch in their opening game against Finland and pushed world No.1 side Belgium all the way in their second outing.

Danish captain Kjaer, who got Eriksen into a recovery position after he collapsed nine days ago, is hoping they get their reward tonight in the decider.

“I think it would mean a lot to get through,” said the AC Milan defender (32).

“We go into the game with a mentality that we have to get there. After everything we have been through, I think we deserve it.

“You can be 100-percent sure everything will be left out on the pitch. The quality this team has, I’m confident about the match.”

Emotional

Inter Milan star

Eriksen is now recovering at home with his family after being released from hospital and he visited his teammates in the aftermath of their 2-1 defeat by Belgium.

The clash with Roberto Martinez’s side was an emotional one at Parken Stadium, with tributes for the former Tottenham midfielder inspiring a reaction from the

Danish players.

Now Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel is hopeful his side can show once again what it means to be Danish as they look to take down Russia and sneak into the last 16.

Schmeichel (34) said: “You hear it a lot when talking about team spirit and unity. When the chips are down and things are really bad, that is when you show your true colours.”

SIX points from two games and progress to the last 16 secured, the final group match is usually a time to experiment, to give some of the lesserknown faces a run- out.

Just think Italy five years ago, when Antonio Conte put out an understrength side in what was a must-win game for the Boys in Green.

Salvatore Sirigu started in goal. Since he was beaten by Robbie Brady’s header, he has won nine further caps.

And t hough he has t he Azzurri’s number one jersey at this summer’s finals, he hasn’t had a c hance of d islodging Gianluigi Donnarumma.

If he was ever going to add to his appearances from the start, surely yesterday would have been the time given how Italy’s qualification was secured before their clash with Wales.

However, Roberto Mancini opted against switching goalkeepers for their final group game this time around — although Sirigu did come on as a late sub.

West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna also started against Ireland. He has remained on 13 caps since 2016.

Caps

Midfielder Stefano Sturaro, who came up against James McClean and James McCarthy five years ago, had only won the first of his four caps on the eve of Euro 2016.

Simone Zaza led the Italian attack. His tally of two goals in 18 caps weren’t enough to earn the Torino man another European Championships call-up.

That’s not to diminish the achievement of Martin O’Neill’s side. Ciro Immobile had scored twice in two games up to yesterday, but he failed to beat Darren Randolph.

And Conte’s side five years ago was sprinkled