Christian Eriksen writes redemption story as he scores 1100 days after his cardiac arrest

Christian Eriksen of Denmark completed a magnificent comeback with a 17th-minute goal against Slovenia in the Euro 2024 match on Saturday (June 16). Eriksen scored his very first goal in the UEFA Euro 2024 after about 1,100 days, following a heart episode in the previous edition. The 32-year-old's goal handed Denmark the advantage, which they maintained during the first half. 

In 2021, the footballer fell on the pitch during the opening half of a match versus Finland. The Euro 2020 was moved a year forward due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Eriksen was treated by medical personnel right away following collapsing on the field during the game. He was then transported to a neighbouring hospital after receiving CPR from Danish medics.

The national team's medical confirmed that the playmaker needed to be fully revitalised following the heart arrest. The footballer was gone from the pitch for over nine months. Eriksen scored in Denmark's 4-2 loss to the Netherlands during an international friendly when he returned in March of the following year. He then competed during the FIFA World Cup 2022, however Denmark was unable to proceed beyond the group stage.

Eriksen now has an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) due to his cardiac episode. The device was not permitted by the Italian top flight Serie A, hence Eriksen's contract with the league was revoked. He was a member of Inter Milan, the multi-time Scudetto champions.

Denmark shares spoils with Slovenia after 1-1 draw

After Eriksen scored the opening goal for Denmark, it appeared that they would win comfortably. Slovenia fought back, and the breakthrough came in the 76th minute when Sesko's piledriver hit Schmeichel's left-hand post. The clearing from a corner went to Janza outside the penalty area on the left, and the defender's ferocious drive deflected from Morten Hjulmand to find the net.

While Slovenia's bench and fans applauded excitedly, Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand looked on, knowing his team would regret not capitalising on their opportunities ahead of their group games versus England and Serbia.