World Cup: Eriksen flops for dismal Denmark on major tournament return

DOHA – Christian Eriksen’s Denmark arrived at the World Cup tipped as dark horses after reaching the semi-finals of the European Championship in 2021 but have exited with barely a whimper after a 1-0 defeat by Australia.

The Manchester United midfielder’s return to the World Cup had been highly anticipated after a good spell for both club and country following a dramatic comeback from a cardiac arrest.

Eriksen, a key player for Denmark, collapsed on the pitch against Finland in June 2021 during the delayed Euro 2020 tournament and had to be resuscitated in front of a stunned Copenhagen crowd and a television audience of millions. On the way to hospital, he told his wife Sabrina that he would probably never play football again but he fought his way back to fitness.

The 30-year-old had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator fitted, which meant he had to quit Inter Milan due to rules in Italy.

But he signed for Brentford in the English Premier League and also resumed his international career, subsequently joining United.

Denmark were favourites to qualify from Group D alongside world champions France, whom they beat at home and away in the Nations League.

But they drew their opener with Tunisia before losing to France and Australia, finishing bottom of the group with one point and only one goal scored.

Coach Kasper Hjulmand said his side would not take their recent successes for granted following their abrupt exit.

“I have a feeling that we have to be careful not to take it for granted, that we have done as well as we have (in recent years),” he said.

“Football is great when it’s working but little things can make it go the other way.”

His team struggled to make things work on the pitch and, off it, there was frustration that issues such as human rights and diversity in Qatar distracted the players from the football.

“I think the debate around Qatar has been extremely difficult and I think it is extremely difficult. I am very envious of those of you who think you have the answers,” Hjulmand insisted.

Eriksen was also underwhelming in a team that lacked the spark that carried them to the semi-finals of Euro 2020.

“Christian is a superhero but he performs with the team,” said Denmark captain Simon Kjaer.

“He is an amazing footballer but we have to look to each other and see that, as a team, we didn’t perform. This is not on Christian, this is on the team, because if we managed to put him in the right situations, Christian will make the difference. We win and lose as a team.”

Hjulmand added that “the frustrations are too big” regarding Denmark’s campaign in Qatar.

“We did not reach our level, there’s no doubt about that,” he added. AFP, REUTERS