Copenhagen, March 30 (BUS): “Welcome back, Christian” was written on a huge banner raised by Denmark fans in a section of the Barken stadium.
Seeing Christian Eriksen stepping out in a Danish shirt, at the same stadium in Copenhagen where he suffered a cardiac arrest nine months ago, was reason enough to draw the beloved fans of the national team to enjoy a big celebration on Tuesday.
He did more than that.
The biggest cheer came during Denmark’s 3-0 win over Serbia in an emotionally strong international friendly match in the 58th minute, when Eriksen snapped with his right foot and fired a shot from the edge of the area. He ran toward the crowd with his clenched fist and slid to his knees in wild glee, reports the Associated Press.
It was Eriksen’s first appearance at Parken since his near-fatal collapse there during a match against Finland in the European Championship, and he was warmly welcomed by fans as he led Denmark out for the friendly as captain.
He was given a standing ovation, too, when he was substituted in the 80th minute and, of course, was named Man of the Match a few minutes later to cheers from the crowd.
Eriksen is enjoying a notable international comeback, shortly after returning to football with Brentford in the Premier League after being fitted with an implantable defibrillator.
He also scored two minutes after coming on as a substitute in the first half against the Netherlands on Saturday, in his first appearance with Denmark since his collapse.
Joachim Moll and Jesper Lindstrom were Denmark’s other goals against Serbia in a match between the two teams who will head to the World Cup at the end of the year.
DONNARUMMA . ERRORS
The European champions, Italy, will not be in Qatar, having shockingly lost to North Macedonia in last week’s World Cup qualifier semi-final, and began their rehab with a 3-2 win over Turkey.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was criticized for his North Macedonia goal and was once again wrong to score two goals for Turkey. Cengiz Under’s shot passed his legs at his near post with less than four minutes on the clock and it seemed he didn’t notice Serdar Dorson, who came down from close range late.
However, Donnarumma made up for his mistakes with two superb saves, remembering exactly why he is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Italy, which changed a lot in the middle of the first half, equalized when Brian Cristante hit a free kick from Cristiano Biraghi in the 35th minute.
The Azzurri turned the game over after four minutes when Giacomo Rasbadori received a through ball, ignored a defender and put a minute finish in the net.
Rasbadori, who scored only once for Italy, pounced again in the 69th minute with a close-range shot into the bottom near corner after Biraghi nodded with a cross pass.
Maguire Grid
Harry Maguire was mocked by sections of England fans during his team’s 3-0 win over 10-man Ivory Coast at Wembley.
The Manchester United centre-back had a disappointing season at club level, but put in a solid performance for his national team, helping them reach the European Championship final just eight months ago.
Ole Watkins, Raheem Sterling – England’s captain for the match – and Tyrone Mings scored the goals, while the Ivorians blocked right-back Serge Aurier’s red card in the first half of the warning twice when the score was 1-0.
Bergwijn strikes again
Stephen Bergwijn scored his third goal in two matches to secure a 1-1 draw with Germany after Thomas Muller gave the visitors the lead at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Muller was crowned by dominating the first half of Germany when he hit the roof of the net in the first half after a cross pass from Jamal Musiala fell behind Kai Havertz and rolled attractively to the veteran Bayern Munich striker.
Bergwijn, who scored twice against Denmark on Saturday, came on as a substitute in the second half and equalized with a powerful shot after Denzel Dumfries hit the ball into the goal.
Jayroud’s eyes
France, the holders of the title, was in complete control against South Africa, a declining force on the African continent, and secured a 5-0 win as Kylian Mbappe scored twice in the northern city of Lille.
Milan striker Olivier Giroud scored his 48th international goal and is now three goals short of Thierry Henry’s record of 51 goals for France. Wissam Ben Yedder and Matteo Guendouzi were among the top scorers.
Mbappe put the hosts ahead with a superb shot curling from the edge of the penalty area to the far top corner and added a second-half goal from the penalty spot.
Cruises in Spain
Spain managed to win 5-0 in a friendly match at home against Iceland as coach Luis Enrique continued testing ahead of the World Cup.
Alvaro Morata scored two goals in the first half, and Jeremiah Pino and Pablo Sarabia added two goals in the second half to ensure Spain an easy victory in A Coruña.
Morata was the only player left in the starting lineup after the team’s 2-1 victory over Albania on Saturday in Barcelona.
Belgium pilot
In Brussels, the Belgium Test Team enjoyed a restful night in a 3-0 win over Burkina Faso.
And the Red Devils played without great players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, as coach Roberto Martinez called up players who participated in less than 50 international matches.
The lack of experience within the Belgian defense was stark but goalkeeper Matz Sells kept a clean sheet as the hosts made up for their mistakes with a fine attacking display crowned by goals from Hans Vanaken, Leandro Trossard and Christian Benteke.