Euro 2020 matchday two: Football put into perspective
There were wins for Belgium and Finland, while Wales battled to a draw, but all thoughts were with Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen
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Your support makes all the difference.European football came together on Saturday in support of Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen who collapsed just before half-time of the Group B opening match against Finland in Copenhagen.
Inter Milan playmaker Eriksen was treated on the pitch at the Parken Stadium, leaving players from both teams in clear distress, and was taken to hospital, where his condition was later reported to have stablished.
When the match was restarted, on the request of both squads, Finland – playing in a first major tournament – went on to win 1-0 with a header from Joel Pohjanpalo as Denmark’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg saw a penalty saved.
Earlier in Group A, Wales fought back to draw 1-1 against Switzerland in Baku with a late goal from Kieffer Moore, while Belgium underlined their championship credentials with a 3-0 win over Russia in St Petersburg to top Group B.
Tweet of the day
Football came together in wishing Eriksen a swift recovery
Moore makes his mark
Quote of the day
It was a really tough evening, on which we have all been reminded what the most important things in life are. It is meaningful relationships, it is those people who are close to us, family and friends. Everything, everything, everything - all thoughts are with Christian and his family
A tearful Denmark head coach Kasper Hjulmand tried to put things into perspective during an emotional post-match press conference.
Finland arrive on the big stage
The Eagle Owls marked their tournament debut with a hard-earned victory, albeit not in the circumstances they would have wanted.
Stat attack
Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku scored twice for Belgium against Russia, making it 20 goals in his last 15 competitive matches and is now the nation’s outright all-time top goalscorer at the Euros.
Up next?
June 13:England v Croatia (Group D, London, 1400)Austria v North Macedonia (Group C, Bucharest, 1700)Holland v Ukraine (Group C, Amsterdam 2000)