This Sunday morning, the news of Christian Eriksen, victim of a heart attack during Denmark – Finland, are reassuring. The Danish Federation announced that he was “still hospitalized in stable condition”. From his hospital bed, the midfielder (29) sent a message on Saturday evening to the WhatsApp group of Inter Milan players after asking his teammates to resume the match. But it is a drama that was narrowly avoided, as Martin Boesen, the team doctor for Denmark, explained.
“We were called to the field when Christian collapsed (just before half-time), I hadn’t seen him fall myself, but it was clear that he was unconscious. When we got near him he was on his side, he was breathing and I could feel his pulse, but suddenly everything changed and as everyone could see we started giving him a heart message. The medical team (of the tournament) came quickly and with their help we did what we had to do. We managed to bring Christian back. “
The cold blood of Simon Kjaer
Before the rescue intervention, Eriksen’s teammates played a major role on the pitch, especially captain Simon Kjaer. The former Lille defender who plays at AC Milan has shown responsiveness and incredible composure. While in the middle of the pitch, Kjaer ran from the center of the pitch to rush to the aid of the Inter leader.
After helping Joakim Maehle put him in the side-safe position, he held his neck to prevent him from choking on his tongue. When the medical staff of the selection arrived, Kjaer was still there, close to his friend whom he often frequents in Milan before asking the referee to call in the emergency services installed at the edge of the pitch.
And while the rest of the Danish squad formed a circle around the attacking midfielder, the 32-year-old center-back was still just above the rescuers when they performed the cardiac massage that restarted the heart and to save the life of his friend’s player.
After having surrounded the stretcher with his teammates to accompany Christian Eriksen’s exit from the field, Simon Kjaer then rushed to Sabrina Kvist Jensen, the companion of Christian Eriksen with whom he is close. With goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, they hugged her to comfort her.
Very affected Kjaer asked to be substituted in the 63rd minute
Apparently very serene, Kjaer experienced very strong moments on the emotional level. When the match was able to resume, the pressure was too strong and he asked his coach to leave the field (63rd) three minutes after Finland opened the scoring.
“I couldn’t be prouder of my players”
“Honestly, some players were emotionally exhausted, admits Kasper Hjulmand. Simon Kjaer was deeply affected. He doubted he could continue and tried his luck. But that couldn’t do it and that’s completely understandable. The players decided to play and what they tried to do is amazing. They decided at first not to do anything until they were sure that Christian, one of our better players and an even better person, was aware and that everything was OK. I couldn’t be prouder of my players, they are people who take care of each other. “
