Unsuccessful Effort to Boost Eriksen's Emotional Reemergence in the European Championship
Christian Eriksen makes a comeback on the EURO stage following his cardiac arrest at EURO 2021, leading Denmark yet again. However, Slovenia manages to hold Denmark to a draw, staining Eriksen's amazing comeback.
Erik Jansa ruins Danish football ace Christian Eriksen's dream return to the EURO stage. Over a thousand days after his near-death experience, the midfielder manages to put his team ahead against Slovenia, but the final score was a draw: 1-1 (0-1) at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Stuttgart on Sunday.
Denmark faced a stubborn and defensive Slovenian team in the first half. Eriksen scored a beauty from a stunning assist by Jonas Wind in the 17th minute. Despite their domination, Denmark couldn't score more goals and clinch an early victory. Instead, they had to let an equalizer slip in the late stages (77%). In their second game in Group C, they are set to face Vice-European Champions England on Thursday, while Slovenia take on Serbia.
"If he plays well, then we play well," said Danish coach Kasper Hjulmand before the game about Eriksen's role. The 32-year-old sets the pace and is "the soul" of Denmark's offensive play. On June 12, 2021, the heart of the Manchester United professional stopped beating on the pitch during the EURO game against Finland for a few minutes. Only because of heart massage and a defibrillator was he brought back to life and able to resume his professional career. Without Eriksen, Denmark had made it to the semifinals.
Slovenia puts Denmark under pressure
Eriksen took control right from his comeback against the Slovenians. He was involved in almost every play. The Slovenians started off defensively and struggled to break free. One of their few and dangerous chances in the first half was missed by Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko with a long-range shot (16%). In response, Eriksen capitalized on a brilliant cross from Wind for the opening goal. Slovenia's goalkeeper and captain Jan Oblak was helpless.
Radenko Mijatovic, Slovenia's federation president, had expressed optimism before the tournament kickoff. "It's often happened before that small national teams have surprised us. At these tournaments, anything is possible," he had said. For the biggest shock, however, the approach was still too cautious in the first half.
Denmark dominated for extended periods, but Slovenia remained winless in their fourth EURO game. The Danes had to hold their breath after the break, first in a tussle between Joachim Andersen and Andraz Sporar. Despite seeking advice from the video assistant referee, referee Sandro Schärer from Switzerland did not award a penalty kick to the underdog.
In the 65th minute, Denmark's attacking hope Rasmus Højlund was denied by Oblak and missed the decisive goal. On the other side, Morten Hjulmand ruled Janza's shot invalid. Previously, Adam Gnezda Cerin and Sporer had wasted good chances for the equalizer (66%/75%). Sesko also hit the post (76%).
