Finland defeated Denmark in their first-ever match in the European Championship, beating the hosts 1-0. Joel Pohjanpalo scored the only goal of the match with the country’s first shot on Kasper Schmeichel’s goal. The player beat Schmeichel from a close-range header, and even though the keeper got a hand to it, the velocity was too fast to keep out.
The beginning of the tournament was an emotional rollercoaster for both teams. Christian Eriksen collapsed face first right before halftime, and medics had to rush on to take care of him. His teammates formed a circle around the playmaker as he received CPR from the medics.
Eriken reportedly suffered a heart attack, and was thankfully stretchered off the pitch conscious and stable.
The 29-year-old was rushed to a medical facility, and is now recovering and has continued to be in a stable condition. Play was suspended for about 90 minutes, and the match was resumed from the 42nd minute, with a 5 minute break for halftime.
Denmark had a plethora of chances following the break, much like the first half, but Lukas Hradecky put in a great shift to keep a clean sheet. The home team won a penalty in the second half as Yussuf Poulsen was tackled in the box. However, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was unable to convert, as Hradecky dived to his left to save an effort that lacked conviction.
The victory in Copenhagen is Finland’s first ever victory in their first appearance in the European Championship. And this makes the occasion all the more memorable for the away fans.
