Emotional moment

European Championship fairytale! Eriksen celebrates 1100 days after drama

Christian Eriksen(Bild: AP/Associated Press)

He of all people! 1100 days after his cardiac arrest at Euro 2021, Denmark's Christian Eriksen returns to the big stage at the European Championships - and celebrates scoring the opening goal against Slovenia.

It's the 17th minute: Slovenia are completely disorganized at a throw-in on the right and Denmark's Alexander Bah throws the ball into the penalty area to Jonas Wind. The striker extends the ball with his heel into the path of Eriksen, who beats Slovenia goalkeeper Timi Max Elsnik with a volley. The Danes' jubilation knew no bounds.

Pacemaker, rehab, comeback
Eriksen played his first European Championship match against Slovenia after his dramatic cardiac arrest against Finland in Copenhagen around three years ago. Towards the end of the first half, he lay motionless on the ground: his heart had stopped beating for a few minutes. Behind the screen of his terrified teammates, who lined up around him, Eriksen was resuscitated on the pitch with chest compressions and a defibrillator. The shock was profound, especially for countless soccer fans around the world. Eriksen had a pacemaker fitted, underwent rehabilitation and was able to continue playing soccer (he has a contract with Manchester United).

And now he is scoring on his European Championship comeback. What a complete soccer fairytale ...