Christian Eriksen stable in hospital after Denmark midfielder collapses during Euro 2020 match with Finland
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Sam Wallace: How a night of horror and hope unfolded
Oliver Brown: Simon Kjaer and his team-mates’ protective shield was team spirit at its most stirring
Christian Eriksen was recovering in hospital on Saturday night after collapsing on the field during Denmark’s European Championship match against Finland.
Eriksen, the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, was given CPR treatment by medical staff before being taken to hospital in Copenhagen. He was said to be awake, with his condition described as stable.
"Christian Eriksen is awake and his condition remains stable. He remains hospitalised at Rigshospitalet for further examinations," a statement from the Danish Football Association read.
The Group B match, which had kicked off at 5pm, was stopped after 41 minutes. It restarted at 7.30pm, with the Danish Football Union saying Denmark’s players chose to play on after speaking to Eriksen.
Head coach Kasper Hjulmand was in tears after the game, which his side went on to lose 1-0.
He said: “It was a really tough evening, on which we’ve all been reminded what the most important things in life are. It’s meaningful relationships.
“It’s those people who are close to us. It’s family and friends. Everything, everything, everything – all thoughts are with Christian and his family.”
Tearful team-mates had earlier watched on in shock as Eriksen lay on the pitch before forming a ring around the player. The 29-year-old’s partner, Sabrina, was in clear distress as she was comforted on the field by Denmark captain Simon Kjaer and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
The sickening incident occurred three minutes before the end of the first half. Eriksen fell to the floor as he ran to control the ball from a throw-in, with no players near him.
Team-mates Martin Braithwaite and Thomas Delaney rushed to assist. Delaney beckoned furiously for medical assistance.
English referee Anthony Taylor summoned medical staff and Eriksen received attention on the pitch for around 10 minutes.
Television cameras panned away as the Inter Milan player received further medical attention, with the Parken Stadium falling silent. Officials at the stadium held up two white sheets to ensure supporters could not see Eriksen being treated.
The BBC was screening the game and halted the scheduled show shortly after 6pm. It later apologised after being criticised for not cutting away from the scenes sooner than it did.
“We apologise to anyone who was upset by the images broadcast,” the corporation said.
“In-stadium coverage is controlled by Uefa, and as soon as the match was suspended, we took our coverage off air as quickly as possible.”
Match of the Day host and former England striker Gary Lineker also posted on Twitter: “I understand some of you would have been upset with some of the images shown (we were too). Obviously these were the host pictures and out of our control. They should have stayed on a wide of the stadium. Apologies.”
To the surprise of many, the game resumed after players from both sides requested it be finished.
The harrowing scenes evoked memories of Fabrice Muamba, the former Bolton Wanderers and Birmingham midfielder, who suffered a cardiac arrest in an FA Cup tie against Tottenham nine years ago. Muamba’s heart stopped beating for 78 minutes. He retired five months later. On Saturday night, before reports emerged that Eriksen was safe, Muamba tweeted “Please God” in reference to him.
Finland's historic victory pales into insignificance
By Tom Morgan
A sporting irrelevance but a three-and-a-half hour marvel of human endurance for Denmark's stricken players who somehow completed a match they will never want to think about again.
“Moments like this put everything in life into perspective," said Uefa President Aleksander Čeferin shortly after Eriksen's on-field collapse at 5.42pm.
Yet an hour and 45 minutes later, with the sun now setting on Copenhagen's Parken, the players were back. Nothing about it was normal as Finland’s players applauded Denmark’s back onto the pitch, with Mathias Jensen coming on for Eriksen. Schmeichel embraced every teammate before they kicked off again.
He looked like a man who most needed a hug most of all, and there would have been a lengthy queue of volunteers after the strain took its toll in the 59th minute when a normally catchable Joel Pohjanpalo header squirmed through his grasp.
Denmark's decision to carry on, agreed in the changing room after lengthy consultation with coaches and Finland, ensured the fixture was completed, but sucked any sign of urgency out of the side.
In any circumstances Hjulmand's team would struggle to maintain their creativity without Eriksen.
And Hjulmand struggled to hold back the tears during his post-match press conference and revealed they had the choice of finishing the Group B opener on the night or return on Sunday.
"It was more unmanageable to have to restart tomorrow. It was more unmanageable than going back out now and getting it all put behind us," he said.
"I could not be more proud of this team, who take good care of each other.
"There are players in there who are completely finished emotionally. Players who on another day could not play this match. They are supporting each other. It was a traumatic experience."
The Duke of Cambridge, who is president of the FA, on Saturday night welcomed the "encouraging news" about the midfielder's condition, adding "we are all thinking about him and his family".
A draw would have been the best the Danes could have hoped for, and they were granted a generous penalty by Anthony Taylor, which Pierre-Emil Hojbjerg subsequently fluffed. In the end though, both tournament newcomers Finland and Denmark got the result they needed - Eriksen was awake in hospital, and the tournament lives on too.
08:58 PMThat's all from me this evening
That's all from me this evening
Hopefully more good news feeds through tomorrow morning. A reminder: Uefa and the Danish FA have confirmed Eriksen is awake and communicative in hospital.
His collapse on the pitch was a truly frightening incident to witness on a football pitch, and yet there is still a sense of relief that things look to be moving in the right direction. Not to mention admiration for the way both tests of players and the medical staff conducted themselves. Take care.
08:26 PMMore updates on how the game restarted
More updates on how the game restarted
After the match had initially been suspended following the incident, the Denmark players decided they were happy to continue having received encouraging news about Eriksen's condition.
And although they were beaten 1-0 by their Nordic rivals, Hjulmand said: "I could not be more proud of this team, who take good care of each other.
"There are players in there who are completely emotionally finished. Players who on another day could not have played this match. They are holding each other. It was a traumatic experience."
08:18 PMDenmark head coach Kasper Hjulmand in tears in his press conference
Denmark head coach Kasper Hjulmand in tears in his press conference
He said: "It was a really tough evening, on which we've all been reminded what the most important things in life are. It's meaningful relationships. It's those people who are close to us. It's family and friends.
"Everything, everything, everything - all thoughts are with Christian and his family."
08:11 PMFinland's manager Kanerva speaks
"It was a very emotional night for us.
"First time in a major tournament and an opening game against Denmark in their home stadium. When we heard the national anthems, it was very emotional for us.
"And then what happened with Christian Eriksen - a very dramatic and sad incident. And then finally, we get a good result from the game.
"Of course I am happy for that. Unbelievable. We are going to remember this for a long time for different reasons."
07:39 PMSome stats
- Finland have only lost one of their last eight competitive matches, picking up five victories and four clean sheets in the process (D2).
- Denmark have missed three of their last four penalties in major competitions (World Cup + Euros), having scored the previous five between 1984 and 1998.
- Denmark have failed to win eight of their nine opening matches at the European Championships (D3 L5).
- Joel Pohjanpalo scored Finland’s first ever goal at the European Championships with what was their first shot in the competition.
- Joel Pohjanpalo scored his 10th goal for Finland, in what was his 43rd cap for his country – becoming one of only two players in Finland’s Euro 2020 squad to have netted 10+ goals for the national side (also Teemu Pukki, 30).
- Finland’s Lukás Hrádecky is only the third goalkeeper to save a penalty on their debut appearance in the European Championships after Przemyslaw Tyton in 2012 (Poland v Greece) and Trols Rasmussen in 1988 (Denmark v Spain).
07:37 PMWhen the players emerged to restart the match
🇩🇰 Respect. 🇫🇮
Get well soon, Christian. #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/SyWDfFAcXG
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 12, 2021
07:31 PMFull time: Finland win
Finland's manager Kanerva speaks
"It was a very emotional night for us.
"First time in a major tournament and an opening game against Denmark in their home stadium. When we heard the national anthems, it was very emotional for us.
"And then what happened with Christian Eriksen - a very dramatic and sad incident. And then finally, we get a good result from the game.
"Of course I am happy for that. Unbelievable. We are going to remember this for a long time for different reasons."
07:39 PMSome stats
- Finland have only lost one of their last eight competitive matches, picking up five victories and four clean sheets in the process (D2).
- Denmark have missed three of their last four penalties in major competitions (World Cup + Euros), having scored the previous five between 1984 and 1998.
- Denmark have failed to win eight of their nine opening matches at the European Championships (D3 L5).
- Joel Pohjanpalo scored Finland’s first ever goal at the European Championships with what was their first shot in the competition.
- Joel Pohjanpalo scored his 10th goal for Finland, in what was his 43rd cap for his country – becoming one of only two players in Finland’s Euro 2020 squad to have netted 10+ goals for the national side (also Teemu Pukki, 30).
- Finland’s Lukás Hrádecky is only the third goalkeeper to save a penalty on their debut appearance in the European Championships after Przemyslaw Tyton in 2012 (Poland v Greece) and Trols Rasmussen in 1988 (Denmark v Spain).
07:37 PMWhen the players emerged to restart the match
🇩🇰 Respect. 🇫🇮
Get well soon, Christian. #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/SyWDfFAcXG
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 12, 2021
07:31 PMFull time: Finland win
Some stats
- Finland have only lost one of their last eight competitive matches, picking up five victories and four clean sheets in the process (D2).
- Denmark have missed three of their last four penalties in major competitions (World Cup + Euros), having scored the previous five between 1984 and 1998.
- Denmark have failed to win eight of their nine opening matches at the European Championships (D3 L5).
- Joel Pohjanpalo scored Finland’s first ever goal at the European Championships with what was their first shot in the competition.
- Joel Pohjanpalo scored his 10th goal for Finland, in what was his 43rd cap for his country – becoming one of only two players in Finland’s Euro 2020 squad to have netted 10+ goals for the national side (also Teemu Pukki, 30).
- Finland’s Lukás Hrádecky is only the third goalkeeper to save a penalty on their debut appearance in the European Championships after Przemyslaw Tyton in 2012 (Poland v Greece) and Trols Rasmussen in 1988 (Denmark v Spain).
07:37 PMWhen the players emerged to restart the match
🇩🇰 Respect. 🇫🇮
Get well soon, Christian. #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/SyWDfFAcXG
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 12, 2021
07:31 PMFull time: Finland win
When the players emerged to restart the match
🇩🇰 Respect. 🇫🇮
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 12, 2021
Get well soon, Christian. #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/SyWDfFAcXG
07:31 PMFull time: Finland win
Full time: Finland win
On paper, a historic result for them in their first tournament but the day will be remembered for the ordeal suffered by Christian Eriksen, his team-mates and his family. We are told his is awake in hospital now. Let's hope for more positive news as the night progresses.
07:28 PM93 minutes
93 minutes
Cornelius penalised for handball as he goes up for a header. One minute to play and Finland now have a throw in the Denmark half.
07:28 PM92 minutes
92 minutes
Vestegaard wins a header in the Finland box but it goes tamely through the goalkeeper. Finland holding out.
07:27 PMFour minutes of added time
Four minutes of added time
Can Denmark find a goal?
07:25 PM89 minutes
89 minutes
Finland are very nearly there and this very strange half of football is almost at a close.
07:25 PMFrom Mike McGrath:
From Mike McGrath:
Gareth Southgate has paid tribute to the medical staff who attended to Christian Eriksen as the England manager prepared for his team's opening game of the Euros.
Southgate and captain Harry Kane cancelled their pre-match press conference ahead of the clash against Croatia but the match will go ahead at Wembley. Southgate said: “We are encouraged by the update from the Danish FA this evening. On behalf of The FA, our players and staff, we send our very best wishes to Christian and those close to him. We pay tribute to those who went to his aid with such care to give the support he received. Our thoughts remain with Christian and his family tonight.”
07:24 PM87 minutes
87 minutes
Finland's goalkeeper comes to catch a cross and misses it but Poulsen could not turn it home. It looks like a Finland defender has gone off with cramp.
07:21 PM85 minutes
85 minutes
Finland look like holding on here. Imagine there will be a lengthy inquest into the decision to replay the game.
07:20 PM82 minutes
82 minutes
Romelu Lukaku has scored for Belgium against Russia. You can follow that game on our live blog here.He dedicated his goal to Eriksen, who is his team-mate at Inter.
"Chris, Chris... I love you!" ❤️
Romelu Lukaku gives #BEL an early lead over #RUS - before delivering a message of love for club team-mate Christian Eriksen 👏#ITVFootball | #Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/AJsMrQloyu— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 12, 2021
07:17 PM80 minutes
80 minutes
Denmark come close to an equaliser as substitute Vestegaard overlaps out of nowhere and fires a wicked ball across the six-yard box but Finland somehow get a foot in.
07:15 PM78 minutes - The penalty save
07:12 PM76 minutes
78 minutes - The penalty save
07:12 PM76 minutes
76 minutes
Pukki, who was struggling his ankle before this game, has been taken off by Finland. A Denmark free kick from wide was too strong and skips through for a goal kick.
07:10 PM74 minutes - Penalty saved
74 minutes - Penalty saved
Hojbjerg tried to side foot it, but Hradecky dived to his right and kept it out. Finland remain in the lead.
07:09 PM72 minutes - Denmark awarded a penalty
72 minutes - Denmark awarded a penalty
They have the chance to get back on level terms. It looked very soft to me, Poulsen was the player brought down by Arajuuri, the defender maybe just nicked his foot as he slid through.
07:04 PM68 minutes
68 minutes
What do Denmark's players have left to give physically or emotionally? A quarter of the game left.
07:03 PMBelgium manager Roberto Martinez speaks
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez speaks
"We all are aware. It was a real shock. Straight away, we have team-mates in that dressing and players who have shared a lot of time with Eriksen.
"There is a real sense to send our empathy. We hope he has a full speed of recovery."
07:03 PM65 minutes
65 minutes
Denmark make a double change as Andreas Skov Olsen and Jannik Vestergaard replace captain Simon Kjaer and Jonas Wind.
07:00 PM63 minutes
63 minutes
Denmark now searching for a way back to level terms. For what it's worth, they have dominated this game and have amassed 17 shots on goal.
06:58 PM61 minutes
61 minutes
A strange moment after the goal went in as Finland's players started to celebrate and then halted things. Their fans were still going for it in the stands. Don't think we should be too critical. This is a huge game for them in spite of everything we have witnessed, and humans are capable of feeling contradictory emotions.
06:56 PMFinland have taken the lead
Finland have taken the lead
A rare foray forward down their left and a cross into the box is headed in by Pohjanpalo. Schmeichel got hands to it - Jonathan Pearce asks if he should have done better which seems bloomin' ridiculous in the circumstances - but could not keep it out.
06:50 PM55 minutes
55 minutes
Finland had a chance to break through Pukki but Delaney got back at him with a good challenge. Then Toivio heads clear from under his own bar for Finland - excellent last-ditch defending.
06:47 PM52 minutes
52 minutes
Denmark whip a free kick into the box towards Kjaer but Finland get a glancing header to it to clear. Then Jensen shoots from distance, well over the bar.
06:45 PM49 minutes
49 minutes
Finland deal with the corner and Denmark settle into another period of possession. Would both players settle for walking off with a 0-0? You imagine a few would.
06:42 PMThe second half is now under way
The second half is now under way
Denmark have an early corner after good work down the right by Poulsen.
06:39 PMDenmark's players in a huddle before the restart
06:38 PMHT: Denmark 0 Finland 0
Denmark's players in a huddle before the restart
06:38 PMHT: Denmark 0 Finland 0
HT: Denmark 0 Finland 0
You often see games pass by without many physical challenge when there has been a bad broken leg, and this must be so much worse. Not sure this next 45 minutes really matters, but the news is sounding more positive.
06:36 PMThere will be two minutes added on
There will be two minutes added on
As you imagine, a very subdued atmosphere and slow tempo.
06:32 PMThere are four minutes to play of the first half
There are four minutes to play of the first half
There will then be a four minute break. Looks like most of the crowd have stayed in the stadium.
06:31 PMStatement from Uefa president Ceferin
“Moments like this put everything in life into perspective. I wish Christian a full and speedy recovery and pray his family has strength and faith. At these times, the unity of the football family is so strong and he and his family carry with them the good wishes and prayers of everyone. I heard of fans of both teams chanting his name. Football is beautiful and Christian plays it beautifully.”
06:30 PMThe match is about to get under way again
Statement from Uefa president Ceferin
“Moments like this put everything in life into perspective. I wish Christian a full and speedy recovery and pray his family has strength and faith. At these times, the unity of the football family is so strong and he and his family carry with them the good wishes and prayers of everyone. I heard of fans of both teams chanting his name. Football is beautiful and Christian plays it beautifully.”
06:30 PMThe match is about to get under way again
The match is about to get under way again
Some will question the wisdom of this, but Uefa say the players requested to carry on.
06:12 PMBreaking news: Match to restart at 7.30pm BST
Breaking news: Match to restart at 7.30pm BST
A Uefa statement read: "Following the request made by players of both teams, UEFA has agreed to restart the match between Denmark and Finland tonight at 20:30 CET (TBC).
"The last four minutes of the first half will be played, there will then be a 5-minute half-time break followed by the second half.
"The match has been suspended due to a medical emergency which involved Denmark’s Christian Eriksen. The player in now in hospital and in a stable condition.
"UEFA wishes Christian Eriksen a full and speedy recovery and wishes to thank both teams for their exemplary attitude.
"Tonight’s UEFA EURO 2020 match between Belgium and Russia will go ahead at 21.00 CET as planned."
06:00 PMThe fans singing
Parken hyllar Christian Eriksen. Finska fansen ropar ”Christian”, danska svarar ”Eriksen”. pic.twitter.com/mOFLq3gAqg
— Michael Wagner (@MicGWagner) June 12, 2021
05:56 PMFans are still in the stands and chanting Eriksen's name
The fans singing
Parken hyllar Christian Eriksen. Finska fansen ropar ”Christian”, danska svarar ”Eriksen”. pic.twitter.com/mOFLq3gAqg
— Michael Wagner (@MicGWagner) June 12, 2021
05:56 PMFans are still in the stands and chanting Eriksen's name
Fans are still in the stands and chanting Eriksen's name
A fantastic show of support. Hopefully the more recent updates have reached them.
05:52 PMThe news has at least developed in a more positive direction
The news has at least developed in a more positive direction
Uefa have said Eriksen has been stabilised in hospital with the Danish FA saying he is awake and undergoing further tests. We await further updates, but the picture looks brighter than an hour or so ago.
05:50 PMOther clubs send their best wishes
We're thinking of Christian Eriksen, his family and @DBUfodbold tonight.
Wishing you all the best in your recovery, Christian ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kJzU1lkOYC
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) June 12, 2021
All our thoughts and prayers are with Christian Eriksen 🙏🇩🇰
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 12, 2021
Keeping Christian Eriksen in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 12, 2021
05:42 PMFrom his former club
Get well soon, Christian. The whole Spurs family is with you. 🤍 https://t.co/Rmwd4Wq8R6
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 12, 2021
05:41 PMA message from the FA
Other clubs send their best wishes
We're thinking of Christian Eriksen, his family and @DBUfodbold tonight.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) June 12, 2021
Wishing you all the best in your recovery, Christian ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kJzU1lkOYC
All our thoughts and prayers are with Christian Eriksen 🙏🇩🇰
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 12, 2021
Keeping Christian Eriksen in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 12, 2021
05:42 PMFrom his former club
Get well soon, Christian. The whole Spurs family is with you. 🤍 https://t.co/Rmwd4Wq8R6
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 12, 2021
05:41 PMA message from the FA
From his former club
Get well soon, Christian. The whole Spurs family is with you. 🤍 https://t.co/Rmwd4Wq8R6
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 12, 2021
05:41 PMA message from the FA
A message from the FA
Gareth Southgate's press conference this evening has been cancelled.
Our thoughts this evening are with Christian Eriksen and his family, and all connected with @DBUfodbold.
— England (@England) June 12, 2021
05:35 PMDenmark FA confirm Eriksen now awake in hospital
Christian Eriksen er vågen og er til yderligere undersøgelser på Rigshospitalet.
Kampen er midlertidigt udsat. Ny melding kommer kl. 19.45.
— DBU - En Del Af Noget Større (@DBUfodbold) June 12, 2021
05:32 PMUefa statement
Denmark FA confirm Eriksen now awake in hospital
Christian Eriksen er vågen og er til yderligere undersøgelser på Rigshospitalet.
— DBU - En Del Af Noget Større (@DBUfodbold) June 12, 2021
Kampen er midlertidigt udsat. Ny melding kommer kl. 19.45.
05:32 PMUefa statement
Uefa statement
"Following the medical emergency involving Denmark’s player Christian Eriksen, a crisis meeting has taken place with both teams and match officials and further information will be communicated at 19:45 CET.
"The player has been transferred to the hospital and has been stabilised."
05:27 PMMore social media messages
🙏Christian Eriksen ❤️ 🇩🇰
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) June 12, 2021
Christian Eriksen ❤️🙏
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) June 12, 2021
05:20 PMMessage from Spurs
More social media messages
🙏Christian Eriksen ❤️ 🇩🇰
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) June 12, 2021
Christian Eriksen ❤️🙏
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) June 12, 2021
05:20 PMMessage from Spurs
Message from Spurs
Christian Eriksen's former club, Tottenham, tweeted: "All of our thoughts are with Christian Eriksen and his family."
Eriksen left Tottenham for Inter Milan in 2020 after seven years with the club.
05:03 PMDenmark's players around Eriksen
04:56 PMDenmark players around Eriksen
Denmark's players around Eriksen
04:56 PMDenmark players around Eriksen
Denmark players around Eriksen
Looks like they are trying to prevent the TV cameras from getting any closer footage, which is quite right.
04:54 PMAll that needs saying
Please God
— fabrice muamba (@fmuamba6) June 12, 2021
04:53 PMThis is horrendous
All that needs saying
Please God
— fabrice muamba (@fmuamba6) June 12, 2021
04:53 PMThis is horrendous
This is horrendous
The fans in the stands have hands on their heads and the Denmark players are standing around Eriksen. You have to wonder how long the cameras will keep rolling, given this looks to be an incident of the gravest kind it is possible to imagine on a football pitch.
04:47 PMThe medics look to be carrying out CPR
The medics look to be carrying out CPR
This is one of the most sickening and worrying incidents I have ever seen on a football pitch. The only comparable scenario I can recall is Fabrice Muamba at White Hart Lane in the FA Cup all those years ago for Bolton.
Some players are in tears and the commentators are desperately searching for words. This could lead to the game being suspended.
04:45 PMHorrible scenes here: Christian Eriksen has collapsed to the turf
Horrible scenes here: Christian Eriksen has collapsed to the turf
Anthony Taylor called for medical assistance straight away and players from both teams look in some distress. We should not speculate about what the problem is but it looks extremely serious. Medics are surrounding Eriksen now and he is down on the turf.
04:43 PM42 minutes
42 minutes
Good work in midfield from the Finland captain Sparv who is a big presence in the middle of the part. Kamara then gives the ball away cheaply but Finland deal with Hojbjerg's through ball.
04:40 PM39 minutes
39 minutes
Denmark making inroads down the left again through the left-back Maehle but Brathwaite shoots wide with his right peg from the left corner of the box. The clock is ticking towards half time but there will be significant stoppage time.
04:37 PMHojbjerg's chance
📸 Hradecky denies Højbjerg! #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/KPKADzMc7T
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 12, 2021
04:35 PM35 minutes
Hojbjerg's chance
📸 Hradecky denies Højbjerg! #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/KPKADzMc7T
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 12, 2021
04:35 PM35 minutes
35 minutes
The game is back under way and Denmark have another corner thanks to a burst down the left from Maehle. Then there's ANOTHER clash of heads, which is a bit disappointing for the flow of the game. O'Shaughnessy down after a whack in the nose. He is good to continue.
04:30 PM29 minutes
29 minutes
A short stoppage in play with Christensen down with a facial injury. He looks like he should fine to carry on after some treatment.
There will be another stoppage on the way though after Finland goalkeeper Hradecky clatters his own man Uronen when dealing with a cross to the back post. The defender was trying to usher Poulsen out of the way but clashed heads with his goalkeeper.
04:26 PM26 minutes
26 minutes
Finland cause their own problems by sending a throw-in square across midfield, but Brathwaite lets them off the hook by blasting past the near post from a tight angle on the left. His conversion rate is not really international class.
04:24 PM24 minutes
24 minutes
That is the kind of moment Finland are waiting for! Denmark's defenders were pushed up the pitch and Pukki beat Kjaer to a bouncing ball. He claims he was held back when the Danish defender battled to get back at him, but I think it was just a good turn of pace from Kjaer. Had a foul be given, it would have been a clear goalscoring opportunity. Anthony Taylor turns down the appeal, rightly so.
04:22 PM22 minutes
22 minutes
Finland do not convince when defending a regulation cross from the left and concede a corner. It breaks for Delaney at the back post, but he was always leaning back and scooped over the bar. His technique let him down there.
04:21 PMSome Irish presence at least
Delaney v O’Shaughnessy in #DENFIN going some way to addressing the regrettable Irish deficit at #EURO2020
— Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceTel) June 12, 2021
04:19 PM20 minutes
Some Irish presence at least
Delaney v O’Shaughnessy in #DENFIN going some way to addressing the regrettable Irish deficit at #EURO2020
— Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceTel) June 12, 2021
04:19 PM20 minutes
20 minutes
Eriksen with a clean strike from just outside the box which Hradecky beats away. Feels a matter of time before Denmark find the breakthrough here, they are playing pretty well. Kjaer wastes another potential attack with a long ball to nobody.
04:18 PM18 minutes
18 minutes
Finland fire a pass into Pukki on halfway and he does well to make it stick. This is much better from Finland, playing the ball around the back with composure. Kamara brings it forward, but a throw-in decision goes Denmark's way.
💙 Finland's first line-up at a major tournament 👊#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/1qXEtYvuw0
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 12, 2021
04:16 PM15 minutes
15 minutes
That was a good intervention from Hradecky though. Hojbjerg made an uncharacteristic burst into the box and got his head to a cross but the goalkeeper tipped it over the bar. Pukki tries to gain some yards for Finland but Poulsen gets back at him to win the ball back.
04:13 PM13 minutes
13 minutes
Denmark have another corner after more good football. Hradecky spills the attempted catch but gathers at the second attempt. Nervous start from the goalkeeper.
04:12 PM11 minutes
11 minutes
Finland dropping into a 5-3-2 shape when out of possession. The vulnerability of that system can be quick switches of play to the opposition full-backs, which slowly drains the midfielders of energy as they are forced to sprint out wide. Delaney whips a cross in but Wind glances a difficult header wide.
04:10 PM9 minutes
9 minutes
Braithwaite looks to play a one-two with Eriksen at the edge of the box but the ball runs away from him. Denmark moving the ball with a good tempo so far, looking to drag Finland out of shape. The underdogs are just about hanging in there.
04:08 PM7 minutes
7 minutes
Denmark settling into a good period of possession and it ends with their first shot in anger. Wind let fly from 22 yards or so but the 'keeper Hradecky was equal to it and pushed it away. Denmark are looking to crowd him at corners but Finland survive this one.
04:06 PM5 minutes
5 minutes
Finland's Robin Lod has picked up a very early booking, sliding through Brathwaite close to the touchline. Moments later the Danish forward wins a corner. Eriksen to deliver an inswinger. The Finland goalkeeper Hradecky makes a meal of the ball to the near post but eventually gathers.
04:03 PM3 minutes
3 minutes
Denmark playing with a back four, Christensen and Kjaer at the heart of it. The Chelsea man was excellent when he replaced Thiago Silva in the Champions League final, Kjaer was a regular for a Milan team who qualified for the Champions League. Delaney and Hojbjerg will sit in front of them.
Finland gain some early territory as Kamara wins a throw deep in the Denmark half. O'Shaughnessy fires a long throw into the box but Denmark clear.
04:00 PMKICK OFF!
KICK OFF!
The stadium in Copenhagen is very close to full which is great to see. Denmark, who are the home team, get us started.
03:55 PMThe teams are on their way out
The teams are on their way out
Separate tunnels in Copenhagen. Of course, this was the stadium where Arsenal won their last European trophy in the 1994 Cup Winners' Cup.
03:54 PMAn all Scandinavian affair
An all Scandinavian affair
Finland and Denmark have roughly equivalent populations but Finland has a far greater land mass, much of it uninhabited. There is no great animosity between the two teams though, in fact this is their first competitive meeting. Denmark vs Sweden is the fixture that tends to get lively.
03:43 PMThe warm ups
03:38 PMPukki starts for Finland
The warm ups
03:38 PMPukki starts for Finland
Pukki starts for Finland
The striker was doubtful with an ankle problem so that is great news for Finland fans. He might have to plough a lone furrow for long periods of this game
03:08 PMAll of our predictions in one place
All of our predictions in one place
Winners, top goalscorer, star of the tournament, how far England will go and much more. Find out what our writers think here.
03:08 PMWho makes your top 10?
Who makes your top 10?
Our series ranking the best 50 players in the tournament reaches its conclusion today as Sam Dean names his top 10. How many England players are in there? Find out with our final verdict here.
03:01 PMFinland manager Markku Kanerva
02:58 PMDenmark team and subs
Finland manager Markku Kanerva
02:58 PMDenmark team and subs
Denmark team and subs
Starting XI: Schmeichel, Wass, Kjaer, Christensen, Maehle, Eriksen, Delaney, Hojbjerg, Poulsen, Wind, Braithwaite
Subs: Andersen, Vestergaard, Skov Olsen, Dolberg, Damsgaard, Norgaard, Lossl, Stryger Larsen, Cornelius, Ronnow, Jensen, Boilesen
02:55 PMFinland team and subs
Finland team and subs
Starting XI: Hradecky, Uronen, Toivio, Arajuuri, O'Shaughnessy, Raitala, Sparv, Kamara, Lod, Pohjanpalo, Pukki
Subs: Vaisanen, Taylor, Jensen, Schuller, Joronen, Soiri, Hamalainen, Kauko, Lappalainen, Jaakkola, Ivanov, Forss
𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐤𝐨𝐤𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐨 | 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐗𝐈 | #EURO2020: Tanska–Suomi 🇩🇰🆚🇫🇮 I Unelmasta tulee totta – Our dream comes true! 🦉
Markku Kanerva on nimennyt avauskokoonpanonsa Parkenilla klo 19.00 alkavaan otteluun!#Huuhkajat #DENFIN #MeOlemmeSuomi #WeAreFinland pic.twitter.com/hrEdRRTGdB— Huuhkajat (@Huuhkajat) June 12, 2021
02:46 PMA quick guide to Denmark
02:36 PMScenes from the city centre
02:28 PMFinland make their tournament debuts against a Denmark team with aspiration
A quick guide to Denmark
02:36 PMScenes from the city centre
02:28 PMFinland make their tournament debuts against a Denmark team with aspiration
Scenes from the city centre
02:28 PMFinland make their tournament debuts against a Denmark team with aspiration
Finland make their tournament debuts against a Denmark team with aspiration
The postponement of Euro 2020 was particularly tortuous for Finland, made to wait an additional 12 months to take part in their first major tournament.
There again, after decades of qualification near misses, hard luck, underachievement and watching other Scandinavian nations enjoy their time in the footballing sun, the Fins probably have the patience to endure the delay. They have produced some fine individuals down the years - notably Jari Litmanen, Sami Hyypia and Antti Niemi ("no he's not, he's 28!") - but have always fallen short of the big stage until now. Coached by Markku Kanerva, Finland were a solid unit in qualification with speed on the counter-attack. Goalkeeper Lukáš Hrádecký plays for Bayer Leverkusen, Glen Kamara won the Scottish title with Rangers last season while Teemu Pukki is a willing runner up front. Aside from North Macedonia, Finland are the tournament's big underdogs.
They meet Denmark for the first time in a competitive game for what promises to be a stiff test. The Danes are one of the teams with home advantage as they play in Copenhagen, 29 years on from their unlikely 1992 triumph. Unbeaten in qualification, though they drew four matches, Denmark have been tipped widely as promising outsiders with a potentially favourable route through the competition. Kasper Schmeichel starts in goal, they have Simon Kjaer, Andreas Christensen, Jannik Vestergaard and Joachim Andersen to choose from at centre-back and they will be screened by Spurs and Dortmund midfielders Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Thomas Delaney. Defensive solidity is key at tournaments, so you can see why Denmark are well fancied. Scoring goals might be a harder task for them though - they have not scored more than one goal in 22 consecutive tournament matches going back to the 1998 World Cup. Christian Eriksen remains their most creative outlet.
Full team news on the way shortly.