“It did something to the group”: Simon Kjaer says Christian Eriksen’s illness motivated them after qualifying for Euro 2020’s Semi Finals

Christian Eriksen gives Denmark motivation: Denmark are having a dream run in Euro 2020. They have qualified for the Semi Finals of the European Championship for the first time in history after tonight’s 2-1 victory against Czech Republic at Azerbaijan’s Baku Olympic stadium. However, Denmark’s captain Simon Kjaer said after the match that all this could be made possible only because of Christian Eriksen.

The Dannish midfielder gave chills to the entire footballing world after he collapsed on the pitch suddenly during Denmark’s first Group stage match of Euro 2020 against Finland. The match was halted indefinitely (it was resumed later that day) and The Inter Milan player was immediately rushed to the hospital. It was later learnt that Christian Eriksen had suffered a Cardiac arrest during the match which might bring his football career to an unfortunate end.

Also Read:- Roman Abramovich confident of luring Erling Haaland to Chelsea this summer

It was a lot to handle for the Dannish team and they lost their first two group matches as they could not focus due to the trauma caused by the incident. However, after their loss against Belgium in the second match, the Red-and-the-White decided to draw motivation from Eriksen’s illness and dedicate their performance to their teammate. And after that, everything changed.

The Dannish team that stepped on the field against Russia in the 3rd match, was a different team altogether. They thrashed the Russians 4-0 to qualify for the Quarter Finals, and have remained unbeaten since then.

Denmark took an early 5th minute lead in tonight’s Quarter Final match against Czech Republic through Thomas Delaney. In the 42nd minute, Kasper Dolberg doubled the lead by converting a beautifully placed ball from Maehle.

Although Czech Republic looked dangerous in the second half after Patrik Schick’s 49th minute goal, the Dannish defenders were successful in neutralizing their attacks.

Following the 2-1 defeat, Denmark Captain Simon Kjaer said in the post match interview Christian Eriksen is their main motivation, and none of this could’ve happened without him.

Also Read:- Martin Odegaard confirms that he is not joining Arsenal and plans to test his luck at Real Madrid

What Simon Kjaer said about Christian Eriksen

On being asked about the impact that Christian Eriksen’s illness had on the squad, Kjaer said: “It did something to the group. We thrive and we’re safe together. We know we can trust the people around us. We know that if one of us is in trouble, then someone else is there for you.

“It gives us security and of course it makes Christian feel good.

“We can press because we know that the player next to us is there to back us up.”
Denmark will now face England in the Semi Finals at Wembley stadium with hopes of qualifying to the finals.

“It’s huge, this is insane,” he said about the win against Czech. “We aimed to go to Wembley and now we will. But I would be lying if I said we’re OK with that.”

“Now we have to enjoy it and recover, but we also have a match in four days.”

Also Read:- Giorgio Chiellini set to sign a new contract with Juventus after Euro 2020 success