Christian Eriksen’s return to the European Championship stage was marked by an emotional moment as he scored for Denmark in a 1-1 draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024. This match, held in Stuttgart, was almost three years to the day since Eriksen’s near-fatal cardiac arrest during Euro 2020. The Manchester United midfielder put Denmark ahead in the 17th minute with a low shot into the far corner, following a quick throw-in and flick-on by Jonas Wind.
Slovenia, playing their first Euros since 2000, managed to equalize late in the game with a deflected shot from Erik Janza. Despite intense Danish support, the match ended in a draw, with both teams securing a point in their Group C opener. Denmark will face England next in Frankfurt, while Slovenia will take on Serbia in Munich.
Eriksen’s journey since his collapse has been remarkable, having resumed his career with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator and returning to international football at the 2022 World Cup. Ahead of Euro 2024, Eriksen expressed a focus on helping Denmark advance in the tournament rather than dwelling on his past health scare.
The game saw Slovenia’s Timi Max Elsnik acknowledge the familiarity between the two teams, as they were closely matched in their qualifying group. Notable moments included a long-range attempt by Slovenia’s Benjamin Sesko and a defensive error almost leading to a second Danish goal. Denmark’s defensive vigilance, particularly on Sesko, highlighted their strategy to contain the Slovenian threat, although Andraz Sporar missed a crucial chance for Slovenia.
