Euro 2024: ‘Different story’ for Denmark’s Christian Eriksen after goalscoring Euros return

It was a lovely flick-on from Jonas Wind to tee up Eriksen and the Denmark midfielder chested the ball down before stroking it perfectly into the bottom corner.

As fans behind the goal erupted in joy, Eriksen ran to embrace his team-mates, while members of the Danish media stood up and applauded.

Asker Boye, who writes for Weekendavisen, was in Copenhagen when Eriksen collapsed and described it as “something like a family tragedy”.

“It was terrifying to sit in the stadium and watch it all happen. Nobody knew anything,” he told BBC Sport.

“Of course, it is very special [to see him score now]. I don’t think you could get Eriksen to say that. He would just say something like, ‘it was a fine goal, a great assist!’

“But of course it’s really, really special for all the Danish fans. He is very popular. It says a lot about him.”

Eriksen would go on to be influential, creating further chances and should have scored again when he sliced an effort over the bar after a good build-up down the left-hand side.

He was directly involved in seven of Denmark’s eight shots in the first half, with his tally of four shots and three chances created, both the highest of any player.

When the 90 minutes were up and his name was announced as Player of the Match, another loud cheer came from the end that housed his team’s supporters.

It may not have been the result Denmark wanted, but it was a “beautiful moment” for those watching on back home.

“Goals are great but that was special for the Danish fans. It was not an easy finish and it was a gorgeous goal,” added Nevin.

“Most people in here were delighted that if the Danes were to score, it would be that man Eriksen.”

Former England defender Gary Neville added on ITV: “It’s the best moment in the first half and it comes from one of the great players.

“Football is so powerful in terms of raising awareness. That was a moment where football becomes irrelevant.”