“He is our heart, our rhythm…”
Denmark are through to the last 16 of Euro 2020 after an emotional victory over Russia at Parken on Monday night.
A 4-1 victory for the Danes, coupled with Belgium’s victory over Finland, was enough for them to clinch second spot in their group – despite losing their opening two games.
The scenes of celebration at full-time were a world away from the horror of their opening match, in which talisman Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch due to cardiac arrest.
Eriksen, who is continuing his recovery after being released from hospital, was quick to send his congratulations to his teammates via WhatsApp.
His manager, Kasper Hjulmand, said after full-time that the Inter Milan midfielder had inspired the team to their victory. He also revealed that a thin bracelet he had been wearing on his wrist throughout the game had been a small tribute to him – a sign that he was still with the team, even though he is not.
“I have never gone with jewellery in my life,” Hjulmand said after the game. “This is the first time I’m wearing jewellery. There is a little football on it,” he added. “It’s Christian who’s here, so we want to take him with us. I had him with me all the way. I think about him a lot.
“As I have always said, he is our heart, our rhythm. We smashed through for his sake today. He is a great inspiration for all of us.
“Not many of the players have played minutes on the pitch without Christian being in there. But we are super happy today. I am super grateful for the people and the support we have received.”
Hjulman’s side’s victory means they will now face a last-16 clash with Wales in Amsterdam’s Johan Cruyff Arena – the very stadium in which Eriksen played some of his first professional games during his time with Ajax.
