“Couldn’t be prouder of players”

“We had two options: continue the game or play tomorrow at 12.00 p.m. But everyone wanted to continue playing today,” said the former Bundesliga coach of Mainz 05 after the 0:1 against Finland at the press conference.

Players from both teams and an official from the Danish association reported in the evening that it was Eriksen's wish to end the game. But Hjulmand spoke of another argument: “The players were sure they wouldn’t be able to sleep anymore today. Playing tomorrow would have made the situation even more difficult. So they decided to get it over with. That was their decision.” The coach called it “unbelievable what my players did. I couldn't be prouder of my players." Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand (right) hugs goalkeeper Schmeichel. © APA/afp / HANNAH MCKAY

In the European Championship preliminary round game between Denmark and Finland, 29-year-old Eriksen from Inter collapsed on the pitch shortly before the end of the first half and remained motionless. Helpers who were called immediately initiated life-saving measures. Eriksen was transported to hospital, where his condition stabilized, according to the Danish association. Danish association offers players psychological help The Danish Football Association has now promised its players psychological help. “It’s a traumatic experience,” Hjulmand said late Saturday evening. “We will spend the next few days working on it as best we can. And of course there are professional people around us.” On its website, the association specifically offered “crisis assistance to the players, Christian’s family and everyone else in the men’s national team.”

He cited Simon Kjaer, his experienced captain, as an example. The 32-year-old from AC Milan comforted Eriksen's girlfriend Sabrina Kvist Jensen on the lawn of the Parken Stadium. He was also the one who led his team back onto the pitch after the break. But even then Kjaer had tears in his eyes. “Simon was deeply affected and doubted whether he could continue. He tried, but it wasn’t possible,” Hjulmand later said. His captain asked him to be substituted almost 20 minutes after the game resumed (62'). Kjaer and Eriksen are close friends, “even though they play for two rival clubs in Milan,” as their coach said. Captain Kjaer as a hero The heroes who gave Eriksen first aid were celebrated on social media - especially Captain Kjaer. He "made sure Christian Eriksen didn't swallow his tongue, gave him cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and made sure the crew stood close around him to prevent any filming," the wrote Sports Bible . The defense attorney then comforted Eriksen's desperate girlfriend. “To do this in the heat of battle is incredible.” Italy midfielder Nicolò Barella (he plays with Eriksen at Inter) thanks Kjaer. © ANSA / INSTAGRAM NICOLO' BARELLA

The decision to continue the game on Saturday evening was made after both teams agreed. And not the European football association UEFA. But he only showed Danes and Finns one alternative: that the game would continue on Sunday afternoon at 12.00 p.m. After all, the players also experienced what power football can develop in such moments. In the stadium, Danish and Finnish fans had already created an atmosphere of empathy, compassion and cohesion during the break. When the game kicked off again, the Finns shouted: “Denmark, Denmark!” “I cried a lot, I was scared.” Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku Football clubs and football players worldwide took great interest in Eriksen's condition. They sent prayers or well wishes via social networks. Romelu Lukaku even had the opportunity to do more. Eriksen's teammate at Inter had to deal with him a good two hours after his collapse Belgian team playing against Russia (3:0) . The striker scored two goals and dedicated his “Player of the Match” award to his Danish friend. “It was difficult for me to play today,” said Lukaku. “My thoughts were with Christian, I cried a lot, I was scared. And I hope he’s healthy again.”

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“Couldn’t be prouder of players”

Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand has confirmed that it was the players' wish to continue the game on Saturday evening despite the collapse and minutes of resuscitation of their colleague Christian Eriksen.

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