Copenhagen:
Denmark’s group physician described the harrowing moment he realised Christian Eriksen’s pulse had stopped as medics worked desperately to save him in front of traumatised players and a stunned crowd on Saturday.
Medics gave the Inter Milan midfielder CPR on the pitch soon after he collapsed for the duration of the Euro 2020 match against Finland in Copenhagen and he was later mentioned to be “awake” in hospital and his situation had stabilised.
“We were called on the pitch when Christian fell down, I didn’t see myself but it was pretty clear he was unconscious,” physician Martin Boesen told a post-match media conference.
“When I get to him, he’s on his side. He is breathing and I can see pulse but suddenly that changes, and as everyone saw we started giving him CPR.
“The assistance came definitely, definitely quick from the healthcare group and the rest of the employees, and with their cooperation we did what we did to do. We managed to get Christan back.”
Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand heaped praise on his team after they returned to the field to complete the match after many were visibly distraught at Eriksen’s plight.
Denmark eventually lost their opening Group B game 1-0.
“Everyone agreed to play, and what we attempted to do was extraordinary,” said an emotional Hjulmand.
“We have a group of players I can not praise adequate. I could not be prouder of these persons who take such superior care of each and every other.
“They decide first of all not to do anything until we were sure that Christian was conscious, and that everything was OK.
“So we had two alternatives, either finish the game tonight or play tomorrow at midday. Everyone agreed on playing today… The truth that the players attempted to play the second and dominate… I’m really impacted.
“All our thoughts and prayers are to Christian and his family right now. He’s one of the best players there is and he’s an even better person.”
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