Euro 2020

THE OLD-EN GENERATION are out to prove there is no substitute for experience.Some thought it was Madness to put money on Belgium for this tournament believing they had now gone ‘One Step Beyond’ after reaching the last four of the 2018 World Cup.
Romelu Lukaku was in imperious form versus RussiaCredit: EPA
But manager Roberto Martinez trusted a side with seven players 28 or over and four in their thirties as they opened up their campaign in style against Russia.
At 28 years old, Romelu Lukaku is in the form of his life having hit 64 goals in 95 games over the last two seasons for Inter Milan.
Why did Manchester United let him go again?
His 24 in Serie A last season ended an 11-year wait for another Serie A title for the Italian giants.
But it is not just for club that he turns it on, but for country too as his two goals on Saturday again proved – taking him to 62 in 94 appearances as the Red Devils’ greatest-ever goalscorer.
There was an element of fortune to his first for when 34-year-old Dries Mertens crossed from the right with a curling ball, Lukaku was clearly offside.
Had Andrei Semenov let it run through to him the flag would have gone up.
Of course he is not going to do that… but his clumsy attempt to clear and subsequent deflection played Lukaku onside.
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Still, the finish showed a poacher at his best, spinning around and sending a shot back across a now wrong-footed goalkeeper.
Lukaku ran to the nearest television camera and shouted ‘Chris, Chris, I love you’ in support of Christian Eriksen, his Inter Milan team-mate who had collapsed in the game between Denmark and Finland earlier and was rushed to hospital.
The goal put Belgium on top, in charge, and they went on to press home their advantage and land number two.
After 27 minutes Timothy Castagne suffered a nasty blow to the head in an accidental collision leading to Thomas Meunier entering the action.
What action he created as well, scoring a goal just seven minutes after coming on.
A lesser known Hazard, Thorgan, whipped a ball in from the left that Anton Shunin spilled and Meunier turned it in.
He turned provider too for Lukaku’s second two minutes from time, sliding the ball through for a striker who can do no wrong – striding away from his closest pursuer and firing a shot the right side of the near post.
It was just too easy for the world’s number one ranked nation.
Belgium sent a warning shot to their Euro 2020 rivals on SaturdayCredit: Reuters
Eden Hazard was not fit to start but did feature in Saint PetersburgCredit: Getty
They have been that for the last three years.
This was the stadium in Saint Petersburg where their hearts were broken in the World Cup in 2018 as they lost 1-0 to France.
While some think their powers have waned since then, manager Roberto Martinez thinks they have actually got better.
Just one defeat in their last 27 suggests there are no problems.
Indeed the experience Martinez has maintained in his team he believes is key in coping with the expectation that weighs down on a side ranked number one in the world.
They were the first to qualify for these finals and are intent on being the last to leave.
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The way they effortlessly passed the ball about and controlled this game suggests they will be very much a main player in the latter stages of this competition.
To think they did not even qualify for the finals of this tournament from 2000 until their appearance in 2016.
But the Golden Generation came through, one that is growing old now, but aims to enjoy one very big last hurrah.
In Saint Petersburg they gave notice of that very clear intention.
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Finland players applaud as Denmark team returns to the pitch after Christian Eriksen’s collapse More

FINLAND fans handed over their team flags to shield stricken Christian Eriksen as the football world united in concern for the Denmark star.The Inter Milan midfielder, 29, was later “stable” and “awake” in hospital after receiving CPR in the Euro 2020 game.
A barrier including a Finland flag was placed to shield Denmark’s Christian Eriksen as he received treatment during the Euro 2020 gameCredit: AP

Denmark players saw team-mate Christian Eriksen collapse on the fieldCredit: EPA
Players from both sides had looked on in tears and shock as he was treated on the field – while supporters made their own touching contributions.
The match was halted before both teams successfully requested a restart after a plea from Eriksen himself – with the Finns returning for the remaining 49 minutes to snatch a 1-0 win.
But the earlier response of supporters at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen will play a large part in how football remembers a day when many feared another tragedy had struck.
Worried Finns near the scene gave large banners to help cover ex-Tottenham ace Eriksen as he was treated.
And after the pitch had been emptied of players, a majestic outburst of unity and respect rung around the ground.
Finland fans chanted “Christian” while Danes echoed back “Eriksen”.
Applause then reverberated across the stadium in a gesture described on social media as an example of the “beautiful game”.
Uefa later issued a statement to explain the match restart – which came “following the request made by players of both teams”.

Finalnd players look on as Denmark star Christian Eriksen receives treatmentCredit: Reuters
Christian Eriksen latest:- EURO HORROR Eriksen rushed to hospital in ‘stable condition’ after collapsing on pitch- PLAY ON Christian Eriksen ‘FaceTimes Denmark team-mates from hospital’ and says play-on- BEEB FURY BBC apologises after fans slam them for not cutting away after Eriksen collapsed- ‘PLEASE GOD’ Football world prays for Eriksen after Dane collapses and given CPR on pitch- UNITED IN CARE Touching moment Finland fans give country’s flags to shield stricken Eriksen- ‘I LOVE YOU’ Watch Lukaku score for Belgium and dedicate goal to Inter team-mate Eriksen

Europe’s football chiefs said the game was “suspended due to a medical emergency which involved Denmark’s Christian Eriksen”.
Uefa added: “The player in now in hospital and in a stable condition.
“UEFA wishes Christian Eriksen a full and speedy recovery and wishes to thank both teams for their exemplary attitude.”
Finnish fans chanting “Christian”, Danes answering with “Eriksen” here at Parken. Even in its darkest times, this is a beautiful game.#Euro2020 #DNKFIN— Philip O’Connor (@philipoconnor) June 12, 2021

Finland players applaud as Denmark team returns to the pitch after Christian Eriksen’s collapse More

AN emotional Romelu Lukaku dedicated his goal in Belgium’s Euro 2020 clash with Russia to stricken Inter Milan team-mate Christian Eriksen.The Denmark midfielder collapsed in shocking scenes during Saturday’s clash with Finland and received a strong message of support from his clubmate.
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Romelu Lukaku sent a message to Christian Eriksen after his goalCredit: ITV
Lukaku and Eriksen are Inter Milan team-matesCredit: Getty
Lukaku, 28, took advantage of slack Russian defending to swivel and fire Belgium in front during Saturday’s clash in Saint Petersburg.
Heading straight to the nearest television camera, the striker sent a message to Eriksen while he recovers in hospital.
He said: “Chris, Chris… I send you: I love you.”
Both Eriksen and Lukaku joined Inter during the 2019-20 season and starred in the club’s recent Serie A title win.
And they were drawn to compete in the same Euros group with Denmark and Belgium due to face off in Copenhagen on Thursday.
The Danes suffered a 1-0 defeat after their opener versus Finland was staggeringly completed following Eriksen’s collapse.
Christian Eriksen latest:- EURO HORROR Eriksen rushed to hospital in ‘stable condition’ after collapsing on pitch- PLAY ON Christian Eriksen ‘FaceTimes Denmark team-mates from hospital’ and says play-on- BEEB FURY BBC apologises after fans slam them for not cutting away after Eriksen collapsed- ‘PLEASE GOD’ Football world prays for Eriksen after Dane collapses and given CPR on pitch- UNITED IN CARE Touching moment Finland fans give country’s flags to shield stricken Eriksen- ‘I LOVE YOU’ Watch Lukaku score for Belgium and dedicate goal to Inter team-mate Eriksen
The Inter Milan midfielder collapsed during Saturday’s game with FinlandCredit: AP
The 29-year-old received treatment, including CPR, as his team-mates formed a human barrier to allow medics to work away from the eyes of the camera and fans in the stadium.
Taken to hospital, Uefa soon confirmed he had stabilised and was awake and Denmark players agreed to see out the game while Belgium’s match went ahead as planned.
The football world united to send its best wishes to Eriksen, particularly during the initial horrendously nervous wait for news on his condition.
Lukaku followed up his opener with a late second, with Thomas Meunier scoring in between for a 3-0 win.
He said post-game: “I enjoyed the game but for me, it was difficult to play because my mind was with my team-mate Christian Eriksen.
“I hope he is healthy and I dedicate this performance to him.
I cried a lot because I was scared, obviously. You live strong moments together. I spent more time with him than with my family.Romelu Lukaku

“I cried a lot [when I heard of his collapse] because I was scared, obviously. You live strong moments together. I spent more time with him than with my family.
“My thoughts are with him, his girlfriend, his two kids and his family. We are a confident team. Today we put in a great performance.
“I’m really happy for the team. Hopefully we can grow into the tournament.”
Glasgow Euros fan zone crowd clap and cheer after confirmation Christian Eriksen is ‘stable’ More

FABRICE MUAMBA tweeted his heartfelt support for Christian Eriksen after the Danish footballer collapsed on the pitch and received CPR during a match against Finland at Euro 2020.The 29-year-old went down off the ball and medics immediately rushed on to treat the former Tottenham player.
Eriksen received CPR on the pitch after collapsing during Denmark’s match against FinlandCredit: AP
Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest while playing at White Hart Lane in 2012Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Eriksen was later seen sitting up on a stretcher receiving oxygen as he was taken from the pitch just after 6pm.
The shocking scenes happened towards the end of the first half of the teams’ opening Group B match.
The distressing incident bore a striking resemblance to White Hart Lane nine years ago when ex-Bolton player Muamba collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch during an FA Cup quarter-final against Tottenham.
It was later confirmed that Muamba’s heart stopped for heart 78 minutes but he miraculously survived after a doctor at the game as a spectator ran on the field to help resuscitate him.
And Muamba, who retired from football after the incident, immediately posted his support for Eriksen after seeing him collapse.
In the moments after Eriksen went down, Muamba simply tweeted: “Please God.”
Muamba’s support of Eriksen was just one of a huge number of people who took to social media to pray for the Dane.
The Danish FA later released a statement which contained the information that Eriksen is now ‘stable in hospital’, ‘awake’ and ‘undergoing further examinations at Rigshospitalet’.

The Danish players shielded Eriksen as he received treatment on the pitchCredit: Getty
Meanwhile, UEFA confirmed that the game would restart at 7:30pm GMT.
Eriksen reportedly FaceTimed his Denmark team-mates from hospital as he told them to finish their Euro 2020 opener after his distressing collapse.
It’s claimed that Eriksen asked them to continue after telling them that he ‘feels better’.
In a statement, UEFA said: “Following the request made by players of both teams, UEFA has agreed to restart the match between Denmark and Finland tonight at 20:30 CET (TBC).
“The last five minutes of the first half will be played, there will then be a 5-minute half-time break followed by the second half.
“The match has been suspended due to a medical emergency which involved Denmark’s Christian Eriksen. The player in now in hospital and in a stable condition.
“UEFA wishes Christian Eriksen a full and speedy recovery and wishes to thank both teams for their exemplary attitude.
“Tonight’s UEFA EURO 2020 match between Belgium and Russia will go ahead at 21.00 CET as planned.”
Christian Eriksen given CPR after collapsing in worrying scenes in Denmark’s Euro 2020 opener vs Finland More

BBC pundit Alex Scott embodied football fans everywhere as she gave her heartfelt response to Christian Eriksen collapsing at Euro 2020.The Denmark star, 29, collapsed as he received the ball during the first-half of Saturday’s match with Finland.
Christian Eriksen received CPR during Saturday’s Euros matchCredit: AFP
Following lengthy treatment, including CPR, on the pitch Eriksen was taken to hospital as the sporting community prayed for his recovery.
The live broadcast on BBC One returned to the studio where Scott, Cesc Fabregas, Micah Richards and Gary Lineker naturally found it incredibly tough to discuss what had unfolded.
Former England star turned pundit and SunSport columnist Scott, 36, fought back the tears as she said: “I’m already getting emotional, I can’t believe what we’re witnessing.
“Football goes totally out of the window.
“You’re thinking about his family, all the rest of the players that are out there witnessing it as well.
“I actually just got on my phone and told my mother I love her. I think it’s a reminder how quickly life can change. Just like that.”
Fans were left praying for Eriksen after the player collapsedCredit: AFP
Alex Scott gave her heartfelt response to the worrying scenesCredit: BBC
Many fans on social media praised Scott for her touching honesty and raw emotion.
And news soon emerged that Inter Milan player Eriksen had stabilised in hospital and was awake, prompting his Danish team-mates to return to the pitch in Copenhagen and complete the game.
But that came after an incredibly nervous wait as the football world pulled together.
Speaking after the BBC cut away from the images of Eriksen being treated, ex-Spain ace Fabregas said: “I don’t really know what to say really.
“My body is shaking. All I can think about is Christian’s family, what they must be going through and I pray for the very best.
The most important thing is health. Just try to be always happy and enjoy what you have in life and how blessed we are and that’s it.Cesc Fabregas
“How many times do I go home and I’m upset and I fight with my family and loved ones? You realise it’s just a game.
“We need to enjoy it every second and have passion and enjoy it but really there are things that don’t matter anymore.
“The most important thing is health. Just try to be always happy and enjoy what you have in life and how blessed we are and that’s it.

“It’s just a big shock for all of us.”
Meanwhile, social media responded to how Scott had reacted on live TV, one viewer saying she had “made me cry, I won’t lie”.
Others said Scott had “summed it up perfectly” – with one poster advising: “Tell your closest ones that you love them at every opportunity”.
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CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN reportedly FaceTimed his Denmark team-mates from hospital as he told them to finish their Euro 2020 opener after his distressing collapse.It’s claimed that Eriksen asked them to continue after telling them that he ‘feels better’.
Denmark stars applaud the fans as they return to the pitchCredit: Getty
Finland applauded Denmark back onto the fieldCredit: Reuters
Following the request made by players of both teams, UEFA has agreed to restart the match between Denmark and Finland tonight at 20:30 CET (TBC). The last four minutes of the first half will be played, there will then be a 5-minute half-time break followed by the second half.— UEFA (@UEFA) June 12, 2021

The match had been halted just before half-time earlier in the evening, after Eriksen collapsed on the field of play.
Upsetting scenes followed, as the midfielder received extensive CPR from the exceptional medical staff.
With Eriksen having been stabilised and taken to hospital, Uefa confirmed that the match would resume at 7:30pm.
According to AFP in Denmark, the midfielder was able to FaceTime his team-mates, while German broadcaster ZDF Sportstudio claim that Eriksen himself asked them to carry on.
The final four minutes of the second half were played, before a five minute break.
They then played out the second half.
Uefa also confirmed that the match between Belgium and Russia would take place as planned at 8pm.
Host Gary Lineker, when confirming that that match coverage would recommence at 7:25pm, addressed the mounting criticism of the BBC’s coverage of the incident.
Finland players form a huddleCredit: Getty
Christian Eriksen latest:- EURO HORROR Eriksen rushed to hospital in ‘stable condition’ after collapsing on pitch- PLAY ON Christian Eriksen ‘FaceTimes Denmark team-mates from hospital’ and says play-on- BEEB FURY BBC apologises after fans slam them for not cutting away after Eriksen collapsed- ‘PLEASE GOD’ Football world prays for Eriksen after Dane collapses and given CPR on pitch- UNITED IN CARE Touching moment Finland fans give country’s flags to shield stricken Eriksen- ‘I LOVE YOU’ Watch Lukaku score for Belgium and dedicate goal to Inter team-mate Eriksen

He tweeted: “We will be back on air at 7.25 on @bbcone.
“I understand some of you would have been upset with some of the images shown (we were too).
“Obviously these were the host pictures and out of our control. They should have stayed on a wide of the stadium. Apologies.”
Danish stars were greeted back onto the pitch by the remaining fans, while being applauded on by their Finland counterparts.
And the Finland players formed a huddle on the field ahead of the most unusual of resumptions.
Joel Pohjanpalo gave the visitors the lead on the hour mark, with his side’s only shot of the game.
The Danes piled on the pressure, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg unfortunately seeing an effort saved from the penalty spot.
Finland held on to win their first ever European Championships match, an achievement obviously overshadowed by other events.
The remarkably mentally strong Danes got back underwayCredit: Getty
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