After 13 failed attempts to qualify for the UEFA Euros Finland managed to finally achieve the feat this year. They made the night even better by defeating a strong Denmark side.
But this victory was overshadowed by the collapse of Christian Eriksen. The Danish midfielder collapsed during the 43rd minute without any contact. The medics rushed to the field as Eriksen needed emergency medical attention.
The game was abandoned as Eriksen was stretched off the pitch. UEFA and the Danish Soccer Federation both after some time put out statements confirming Eriksen's stable condition and the game resumed shortly.
Throughout the game, Denmark dominated the ball and were constantly on the attack. They had a total of 22 shots 6 of them being on target but failed to breakthrough. Finland despite having only 30% possession scored the only goal of the game through Joel Pohjanpalo.
Denmark missed a lot of chances in the final third. The decision making of Yusuff Paulsen, Martin Braithwaite and Jonas Wind was all over the place. It was defensive midfielder Thomas Delany that looked the most likely to create something tangible.
The best chance came in the 74th minute when Paulsen won a penalty. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg's penalty was saved by Lukáš Hrádecký easily as the Midfielder never looked confident.
UEFA's statement before resuming the game after the Collapse of Eriksen said that the players and staff of both teams had requested the match to be resumed. In his post-match press conference, Denmark head coach Kasper Hjulmand said "We had two options to play the game [today] or tomorrow at 12 P.M and everyone agreed to play today. You can't play a game with such feelings. We tried to win. It was incredible they managed to go out and try to play the second half."
He later added that there was no pressure from UEFA to play the game on the day itself but he thought it was best to get it over it. UEFA and broadcasters also faced huge criticism over not only continuing the broadcast but also showing Eriksen's unconscious body and his family member crying while Eriksen was receiving medical treatment.
Up next Finland travel to Saint Petersburg to play Russia while Denmark host tournament favourites Belgium presumably without Christian Eriksen.
Man of the Match:
Lukáš Hrádecký-
The Bayer Leverkusen Goalkeeper secured 3 points for his country. Hrádecký made several important saves throughout the game including Penalty Pierre-Emile Højbjerg's penalty in the 75th minute. The shot-stopper did particularly well during the 9 corners where Denmark players crowded him and his goal. Finland would've lost or at least drawn the game if not for their Goalkeepers saves.
To check regular updates stay tuned to Euro 2020
Also read here Finland UEFA Euro 2020 Squad and Denmark UEFA Euro 2020 Squad
