Euro 2024
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It was almost the perfect fairytale. In the 17th minute between Slovenia and Denmark, Jonas Wind received a ball inside the box, extended it with his heel to the center of the box where Christian Eriksen scored from short distance. The goal came 1,100 days after the Manchester United playmaker suffered a cardiac arrest in Denmark’s 1-0 Euro 2020 opener defeat against Finland in 2021.
“Well, it was nice to score, it came at a good time,” Eriksen said when asked about the goal after the game. “We had talked about scoring from a set-piece, and we did and, unfortunately, the others did too, but we scored and got off to a good start. It was great with so many Danish fans.” Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for Denmark as Slovenia equalized through a stunning effort by Erik Janža (77’) to secure the 1-1 draw.
“We were hoping for three points to start with,” Eriksen said when asked about the result. “Now we have to live with a bit of a setback. But really, we just need one other win in the next two games, and we have good chances to move through.” Up next for Denmark will be England on June 20 and then Serbia on June 25.
Christian Eriksen: “It’s been a lot of games since” the cardiac arrest
As for the episode at Euro 2020? “This time at the Euro, my story is very different to last time,” Eriksen said when asked about his cardiac arrest. “Luckily, it’s been a lot of games since it happened. I felt confident going into the game and I was just happy to be playing.”
Eriksen certainly looked comfortable on the pitch. Playing in a central role for Denmark, Eriksen controlled the match completing 44 out of 50 passes had 78 touches, created seven chances and scored the goal. It was, therefore, not a big surprise that Eriksen was voted player of the match by UEFA.
It was a statement game by the playmaker, especially after scathing criticism in the Danish press towards head coach Kasper Hjulmand. But Hjulmand’s faith in the player has been rewarded as Eriksen was excellent on Sunday. Although the 32-year-old is still under contract until 2025, Transfermarkt understands that Eriksen is free to leave Man United this summer. With that mind, the Euros could be an excellent opportunity to showcase his skills and earn a summer move to one last club.