On Day 2 of the European Championship, the soccer world was left in shock after Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch against Finland.
For more than 10 minutes, medical staff worked frantically giving Eriksen chest compressions as his teammates formed a circle in order to shield everyone from what was going on.
"He was breathing, and I could feel his pulse. But suddenly that changed," Denmark team doctor Morten Boesen said Saturday, according to The Associated Press. "And as everyone saw, we started giving him CPR."
In that moment, the soccer match became secondary as the health of Eriksen was on the minds of everyone inside Parken Stadium in Copenhagen and around the world. Eventually, the match was suspended with play resuming once it was confirmed that Eriksen was stable and players from both teams gave the green light to finish the match.
Many took to social media to express their concern for Eriksen while also praising the response from medical staff, Denmark players — especially captain Simon Kjaer — and expressing the importance of learning CPR.
Captain and hero: Simon Kjaer.
Before the medics got there he secured his neck, cleared the airways and started CPR. Could have saved #Eriksen’s life. Act of heroism.
Kjaer trying to keep also Cristian’s wife strong, is very emotional.
What a man.
So proud of you pic.twitter.com/eOFOMksODe— Angelo Mangiante (@angelomangiante) June 12, 2021
First win of the tournament but tonight was about more than football. My friend @ChrisEriksen8, my thoughts are with you and your family pic.twitter.com/QK7lGXcxSA
— Toby Alderweireld (@AlderweireldTob) June 12, 2021
Chris. I’m sending all my love to you and your family. Stay strong mate.
— Harry Kane (@HKane) June 12, 2021
Fans inside Parken Stadium in Copenhagen continue to chant Christian Eriksen's name.
: @MicGWagner pic.twitter.com/Qf89GKmnEE— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 12, 2021
To those who were so fast to respond, thank you.
To Christian, our thoughts and prayers are with you. #THFC #COYS pic.twitter.com/lxkLYByFmP— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 12, 2021
Finland fans who gave there national flag to cover the medical procedure of #Eriksen literally have proven that humanity is alive pic.twitter.com/q7dKpEAkRl
— Drax (@LaMasiaStan) June 12, 2021
It took Anthony Taylor less than 5 seconds to stop the game and alert the attendants after Christian Eriksen fell ill.
Respect #Euro2021 #DENFIN #Eriksen pic.twitter.com/7jOaz8pTwK— Md Saif Khan (@MdSaif997) June 12, 2021
Shoutout to Kasper Schmeichel.
Ran to the helicopter crash site of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha to try and help and had to be held back whilst it was on fire.
Lead the call for medical attention for Eriksen and went over to console his wife after.
Hero. pic.twitter.com/Jq2ekKCBot— PF | Transfer News (@PurelyFootball) June 12, 2021