Christian Eriksen will face Finland for the first time after his cardiac arrest – the star player spoke about the meaning of the match to EPN Urheilu

Finland will meet Denmark in the European Championship qualifying match on Sunday at 19:00. The live broadcast of the match will start on TV2, Areena and ‘s website at 18:15.

The European Championship qualifying match between the Huuhkajie of the Finnish men’s national football team and Denmark is exceptionally interesting for many reasons.

Points are very important for the teams that are at the top of the group. With the win, Finland moved to within five points of the pre-favorites of the group, Denmark. A loss would mean that Denmark would become the top of the group, and in addition, Slovenia would have a chance to move ahead of Finland.

After Sunday, Finland has four EC qualifying matches left, so even a draw would give hope of securing a place in the competition. Finland, which is on a four-game winning streak, can certainly afford a loss without their EC dreams falling apart.

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Eriksen: One special match

At Saturday’s press conference, the media’s interest was also focused on Denmark to Christian Eriksen. Eriksen collapsed on the pitch in the opening group match of the European Championship against Finland in the summer of 2021. He was shortened as a result of a cardiac arrest and now plays with a pacemaker.

Now Eriksen, 31, will face Finland for the first time since that EC match. When Finland lost to Denmark in Copenhagen in its first European Championship qualifying match in March, Eriksen was on the sidelines due to a leg injury.

The star player of English Manchester United and Denmark does not feel that the match is meaningful for him.

– I think the match is more special for the audience than for me. There have been a lot of matches in between here and there is yet another special match ahead. But I have forgotten everything else that has happened, Eriksen said at the press conference.

Eriksen also commented on the importance of the match to Urheilu. He stated, as in the press conference, that the Finland match is not special for him.

– Every national team match is special. What happened (at Euro 2021) would be of equal value against any opponent. The most important thing was to get back to football, and fortunately that has happened. I am happy when I get to play football.

Denmark has never won away from home in the European Championship qualifiers. Eriksen stated that he expects a tight game in his first match at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.

– Finland is a challenging opponent, and we have met a few times in the next few years. Finland is in a good position at the top of the group, so understandably we have to catch them, Eriksen stated.

An estimated 1,600 Danish supporters are coming. Denmark head coach Kasper Hjulmand stated at the press conference that he was excited by the great number of supporters. In addition, he separately praised Finland, and especially the team’s defensive play. Finland has a streak of four clean sheets in the EC qualifiers.

– I think it is recognizable that the Finnish team has developed really nicely over the past 2-3 years. It is clear how Finland plays. The defense is well organized. Obviously (Oliver) Antman has developed over the past year. Finland counterattacks quickly, and it is difficult to score goals against them. However, we scored three goals last time, we have a strong team and we are ready to meet the challenge, said Hjulmand.

Denmark has underperformed

During the past year, Denmark has been in a bit of trouble. The previous World Cups ended in disappointment, when Denmark was left in the first group after drawing with Tunisia and losing to both France and Australia.

Even the European Championship qualifiers, which are currently underway, have not gone as hoped. In advance, Denmark was thought to be clearly stronger than the others in the group. The team started the qualifiers in exhibition style when the striker Rasmus Höjlund finished three goals into Finland’s net as Denmark won 3–1.

Teammates Eriksen and the goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel praised Höjlund, who moved to Manchester United in the summer, in an interview with .

– He works hard and is always ready when he gets on the field. He has shown his talent both in the club and national team. I hope he can do the same on Sunday, ManU teammate Eriksen stated.

Schmeichel described the 20-year-old Höjlund as confident and a little arrogant, but at the same time humble.

– He is an exciting player with a lot of potential. Perhaps the most interesting thing about him is how much better he can improve. He is curious and doesn’t act like he has already achieved everything. He slipped into the national team very easily – as if he had always been part of the group, the goalkeeper said.

Since then, Denmark’s results have been weaker: a loss to Kazakhstan, a narrow win over Northern Ireland and a draw away to Slovenia. On Thursday, Denmark beat San Marino 4–0 and rose to second place in Group H behind Finland.

– There is always pressure, in every match. We have played excellently in recent years, so there is pressure. We have shown that we are a quality team, so there is always pressure, head coach Hjulmand told about the Finland match.