Denmark's Eriksen glad for 'very different' Euros experience

English Woman's Journal - Denmark's Eriksen glad for 'very different' Euros experience

SPORTS 16.06.2024

Denmark's Eriksen glad for 'very different' Euros experience / Photo: DAMIEN MEYER - AFP

Christian Eriksen said he had nothing other than football on his mind after scoring in Denmark's 1-1 draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024 almost three years to the day since he suffered a cardiac arrest.

Change text size:

Eriksen put Denmark ahead in the first half of their Group C opener in Stuttgart on Sunday as the Manchester United midfielder scored his first European Championship goal at his third tournament.

He featured at Euro 2012 and again at the Covid-delayed 2020 edition, where he collapsed during Denmark's opening 1-0 loss to Finland and was resuscitated on the pitch with the aid of a defibrillator.

Eriksen, now 32, has said that fateful day in Copenhagen is one on which he no longer dwells too much.

"I do think this time my story at the Euros is very different from the last one," he said.

"Luckily it's been a lot of games since the last time and since it happened. I felt confident in playing again, so in that sense I was just happy to be back playing."

Eriksen, who made his international debut as a teenager just ahead of featuring at the 2010 World Cup, is playing at his sixth major tournament overall.

"I did have it in mind I hadn't scored at the Euros, but nothing else than football was on my mind. In the end it would've been a different story if we'd got the three points, we'd have been much happier."

Denmark next face England, the team who knocked them out in the semi-finals at Wembley after extra time at the last Euros following Eriksen's collapse.

"It's a wake-up call for us," Eriksen said of the draw with Slovenia. The Danes play Serbia in their final group game on June 25.

Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand said his faith in Eriksen had never wavered.

"I've never had my doubts with Christian as a football player," he said.

"You cannot hold down that kind of class. He's a natural player who knows the rhythm of the game. He knows how to play.

"For me he's a great player and showed it today."

O.Jonstone--EWJ

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.