Denmark's Eriksen Conscious in Hospital after Collapsing at Euro 2020

Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand walks towards the Denmark players next to Christian Eriksen as he receives medical attention after collapsing during the match. (Reuters)
Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand walks towards the Denmark players next to Christian Eriksen as he receives medical attention after collapsing during the match. (Reuters)
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Denmark's Eriksen Conscious in Hospital after Collapsing at Euro 2020

Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand walks towards the Denmark players next to Christian Eriksen as he receives medical attention after collapsing during the match. (Reuters)
Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand walks towards the Denmark players next to Christian Eriksen as he receives medical attention after collapsing during the match. (Reuters)

Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed while playing and was given CPR by medics during his side's Euro 2020 football match with Finland on Saturday, and the game has been suspended.

A Reuters photographer at the game saw Eriksen raise his hand as he was carried from the pitch on a stretcher, and the stadium announcer later told the crowd that he had been taken to the nearby Rigshospitalet.

The Danish DBU football association tweeted that the 29-year-old was "awake and at Rigshospitalet for further examinations".

The news that Eriksen had been taken to hospital was greeted by the crowd chanting his name. A decision about whether or not to restart the game will be announced at 1945 CET.

Eriksen collapsed suddenly in the 42nd minute of the match while running near the left touchline after a Denmark throw-in. Teammates Martin Braithwaite and Thomas Delaney rushed to assist him, with Delaney beckoning furiously for medical assistance.

As a hush fell over the 16,000-strong crowd, Eriksen's teammates formed a ring around him as medics pumped his chest just before halftime in their Group B clash.

Both teams subsequently left the field with officials holding up sheets to hide the stricken player from view, and the stadium announcer told fans that the game had been suspended due to a medical emergency and to stay in their seats.

The game was scoreless when Eriksen, who plays his club football for Inter Milan in Italy, collapsed.



Renard Stresses Importance of Saudi Arabia’s Match against Iraq in Gulf Cup

Renard speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)
Renard speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)
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Renard Stresses Importance of Saudi Arabia’s Match against Iraq in Gulf Cup

Renard speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)
Renard speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)

Saudi national football team coach Hervé Renard underlined on Friday the importance of his team's upcoming "challenging and crucial" match against Iraq in the Gulf Cup currently underway in Kuwait.

Winning the match is essential to advancing to the semifinals, he told a press conference.

The teams will clash on Saturday afternoon.

"The Saudi fans consistently support the national team. Although we did not begin the tournament at our usual level, we will strive to bring the Saudi national team to its normal situation," he vowed.

"I concentrate solely on football, analyzing matches and players' performances daily to achieve our objectives," he added.

Meanwhile, Iraqi national team coach Jesus Casas said the match against Saudi Arabia is a chance to evaluate the team's blend of youth and experience.

He emphasized the importance of achieving proper harmony for the team to deliver the best result.

"The last match was disappointing, and all the teams in the tournament are competitive. We do not make excuses; instead, we will concentrate on putting forth a solid performance against the Saudi national team," Casas said.