Christian Eriksen scored for Denmark in their 1-1 draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024 on Sunday, almost three years after he almost died in his team’s opening game at the last tournament. The Manchester United midfielder put his team ahead in the 17th minute in front of a Stuttgart stadium packed overwhelmingly with Danish fans, but Erik Janza’s deflected shot earned Slovenia a point in their first Euro match since 2000. Denmark will face England in their second Group C game in Frankfurt on Thursday, while Slovenia continue their campaign against Serbia in Munich. Denmark reached the semi-finals of the pandemic-delayed Euro 2020 tournament before losing to England, riding a wave of emotion triggered by Eriksen’s collapse in Copenhagen, which left him needing to be revived on the pitch after suffering cardiac arrest.
He eventually resumed his career after receiving an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, returning to international duty nine months later and appearing at the 2022 World Cup.
On the eve of Denmark’s Euro 2024 debut, Eriksen said the harrowing incident is no longer something he routinely thinks about, but rather intends to focus on helping his country make another deep run in Germany.
Slovenian midfielder Timi Max Elsnik admitted there would be few surprises for both teams after they finished just behind Denmark in their qualifying group head-to-head.
Highly regarded Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko almost caught Kasper Schmeichel with a powerful long-range shot, but moments later it was Denmark who scored.
A quick throw was deflected by Jonas Wind into the path of Eriksen, who struck a low shot into the far corner to give the Danes the lead.
With Sesko being closely monitored by the Danish defense, Andraz Sporar was unable to capitalize on a hole in the defense when he poorly controlled a ball that bounced forward as he looked towards goal.
Sesko almost gave Denmark a second when he unleashed a clearance in his own box against his team-mate, with Jan Oblak looking on hopefully as the ball passed close to his goal.
Eriksen scored just before half-time after more excellent work from the lively Wind, with Slovenian defender Jaka Bijol coming close to heading into his own goal from a Denmark set-piece early in the second half.
Oblak made a brave save to prevent Rasmus Hojlund from extending the lead, blocking the United striker’s shot from close range to keep his side in front.
Adam Gnezda Cerin crossed wide as Slovenia pushed for an equalizer and Sporar shot wide as he lunged to take a free kick.
Sesko was very unlucky to see his rough cannon retreat against the post, but Slovenia quickly equalized.
Denmark were unable to clear a corner and Janza’s shot, just outside the penalty area, deflected Morten Hjulmand and left Schmeichel stranded.
Sporar had the opportunity to snatch victory for Slovenia after beating Jannik Vestergaard, but shot into the side netting when Schmeichel appeared to have managed the faintest of touches.
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