麻豆影视

Skip to main content

Denmark wants to pay supporters back after Eriksen tribute

Denmark supporters display a banner for Christian Eriksen, the Danish player who collapsed during the match against Finland last Saturday, June 12, during the Euro 2020 soccer championship group B match between Denmark and Belgium, at the Parken stadium in Copenhagen, Thursday, June 17, 2021. (Wolfgang Rattay, Pool via AP) Denmark supporters display a banner for Christian Eriksen, the Danish player who collapsed during the match against Finland last Saturday, June 12, during the Euro 2020 soccer championship group B match between Denmark and Belgium, at the Parken stadium in Copenhagen, Thursday, June 17, 2021. (Wolfgang Rattay, Pool via AP)
Share
COPENHAGEN -

After a stirring tribute to Christian Eriksen and a "magical" atmosphere created by their fans, Denmark's players want to pay their supporters back at the European Championship.

They have one last chance to do so when they face Russia in Copenhagen on Monday, knowing a win could still be enough to see them through to the next round at Euro 2020.

The Denmark team on Friday was still processing the many emotions from its game against Belgium at Parken Stadium the previous evening, when a raucous crowd paid tribute to Eriksen with a minute's applause after 10 minutes. Denmark took an early lead in the game but Belgium launched a second-half comeback to win 2-1.

"That atmosphere and that support, it was something I've never experienced before," Denmark midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg said. "It was exceptional and very, very powerful. So many people have supported us. Now all you want to do, for everything in the world, is to pay them back with everything you have. And that's what we're going to do on Monday."

The Belgium game was Denmark's first match since Eriksen suffered cardiac arrest in the opener against Finland and had to be resuscitated with a defibrillator. Even after the loss, the Danish players were serenaded and given a standing ovation by the entire stadium. Eriksen was released from the hospital on Friday, the Danish soccer federation said.

Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand said it was "overwhelming" to feel the support from fans, all the way from the team's training base outside Copenhagen to the stadium.

"To come into Parken and feel the energy, it was magical," Hjulmand said. "The stadium helped us deliver the way we did yesterday."

Denmark lost to Finland 1-0 after play was resumed following a 90-minute break. But even with zero points after two games, Denmark still has a realistic chance of advancing from Group B.

A win over Russia could be enough if Belgium beats Finland.

"Now we have to finish the job on Monday," Hojbjerg said.

Hjulmand said he could scarcely believe that his team has zero points after finishing with 23 shots in the first game compared to one for Finland. Against Belgium, the Danes had 22 total attempts to six for their opponents.

"Of course it's about having that final sharpness and putting the ball in the net," Hjulmand said.

After he was discharged from the hospital, Eriksen immediately went to visit his teammates.

"It was really great to see the guys again after the fantastic game they played last night," Eriksen said in a tweet from the Danish federation. "No need to say that I will be cheering on them on Monday against Russia."

And there's no doubt that his teammates will continue playing for him.

"He's with us all the time. He is with us here," Hojbjerg said, touching his chest.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Why brain aging can vary dramatically between people

Researchers are uncovering deeper insights into how the human brain ages and what factors may be tied to healthier cognitive aging, including exercising, avoiding tobacco, speaking a second language or even playing a musical instrument.

The union representing some 1,200 dockworkers at the Port of Montreal has overwhelmingly rejected a deal with their employers association.

A man who was critically injured in a police-involved shooting in Hamilton late Sunday afternoon has died in hospital, says the province鈥檚 police watchdog.

opinion

opinion How to transition from renting to owning a home in Canada

In his column for CTVNews.ca, personal finance contributor Christopher Liew offers a step-by-step guide on how to make the shift from renting to becoming a homeowner, and what you can start doing today to help the process go smoother.

Local Spotlight

For the second year in a row, the 鈥楪ift-a-Family鈥 campaign is hoping to make the holidays happier for children and families in need throughout Barrie.

Some of the most prolific photographers behind CTV Skywatch Pics of the Day use the medium for fun, therapy, and connection.

A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.

As Connor Nijsse prepared to remove some old drywall during his garage renovation, he feared the worst.

A group of women in Chester, N.S., has been busy on the weekends making quilts 鈥 not for themselves, but for those in need.

A Vancouver artist whose streetside singing led to a chance encounter with one of the world's biggest musicians is encouraging aspiring performers to try their hand at busking.

Ten-thousand hand-knit poppies were taken from the Sanctuary Arts Centre and displayed on the fence surrounding the Dartmouth Cenotaph on Monday.

A Vancouver man is saying goodbye to his nine-to-five and embarking on a road trip from the Canadian Arctic to Antarctica.

Stay Connected