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Eriksen Collapse Halts Denmark-Ukraine Friendly as Star Regains Consciousness

ESPN Soccer •
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Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark's friendly against Ukraine in Odense, forcing the match to be abandoned in the 79th minute. The 34-year-old midfielder grabbed his chest before falling in the 65th minute, briefly losing consciousness before quickly regaining it. Denmark team doctor Morten Boesen confirmed Eriksen walked off the pitch unaided and the implanted medical device functioned properly.

This incident echoes Eriksen's previous cardiac arrest during Euro 2020 against Finland in June 2021, when he required on-pitch resuscitation. Following that episode, he received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and resumed his career with Brentford in February 2022, later playing for Manchester United before joining VfL Wolfsburg.

Both teams shielded Eriksen with a protective circle as medical personnel attended to him, similar to scenes from his 2021 collapse. Neither Denmark nor Ukraine qualified for the World Cup, making this abandoned friendly particularly concerning given the circumstances. Eriksen will undergo hospital examinations to determine the cause.

The former Ajax and Tottenham playmaker, who recorded 69 goals and 88 assists for Spurs across 305 appearances, remains one of Denmark's most accomplished players. His teammates maintained a wall around him to preserve privacy during treatment, demonstrating the football community's support.