Eriksen scores emotional winner to fell Sweden

Skip to Main NavigationSkip to content

Eriksen scores emotional winner to fell Sweden

Thursday 06 June 2024 10:00

Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen scored a dramatic late winner for Denmark on Tuesday evening, earning his country a 2-1 triumph over Scandinavian rivals Sweden.

It was a cathartic moment for the 32-year-old, who is preparing for his first European Championship since suffering a cardiac arrest during the last tournament in 2021.

That incident took place at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen – which was also the venue for Denmark’s warm-up game with Sweden last night.

But Eriksen seemed inspired by the location, setting up the opening goal, scored by Tottenham Hotspur’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, in just the second minute.

Then, in the final five minutes, with the game seemingly ebbing away to a 1-1 draw following Alexander Isak’s first-half equaliser, Eriken curved home a delicious winner from outside the area.

The goal stemmed from a free-kick around 35 yards from goal, which Eriksen took.

After playing a short one-two with midfield colleague Morten Hjulmand, Eriksen shimmed past the advances of former United winger Anthony Elanga, and then speared a marvellous low shot into the right-hand corner of the net, sparking joyous scenes in the Danish capital.

Eriksen was not the only United presence on the pitch, of course. Ramus Hojlund played 78 minutes for the Danes, while Victor Lindelof skippered the Swedes before being removed at half-time, presumably with his recent return from injury in mind.

WHO ELSE WAS IN ACTION?

One further United player was involved on the international scene on Tuesday. And like Eriksen, Facundo Pellistri also delivered a goal and an assist.

The quick winger played the entirety of Uruguay’s 4-0 win over Mexico in Phoenix, Arizona, and scored his country’s second goal in the 26th minute when clipping home a cutback from Brian Rodriguez.

In the second half, Pellistri then rounded opposition goalkeeper Felipe Rodriguez to tee up a tap-in for Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez. Uruguay are preparing for the upcoming Copa America, which starts on 21 June.

Watch Neville’s UTD Podcast in full Video

Watch Neville’s UTD Podcast in fullUTD Podcast | Our interview with Gary Neville is compelling, more than an hour long and viewable in its entirety here…

WHAT’S NEXT?

Our international Reds are next in action on Friday, when three fixtures could feature United personnel.

England host Iceland at Wembley (19:45 BST), in the Three Lions’ final warm-up game before Euro 2024.

Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw are all within Gareth Southgate’s provisional squad, and Shaw recently stepped up his recovery from injury by taking part in team training.

Elsewhere, Scotland will take on Finland at Hampden Park in Glasgow (19:45 BST) – a fixture which could feature Scott McTominay.

The midfielder picked up an injury in our Emirates FA Cup final success over Manchester City, and subsequently missed the Scots’ friendly against Gibraltar on Monday. However, manager Steve Clarke declared earlier in the week that he was confident Scott would play some part in the Finland game.

In Africa, meanwhile, Sofyan Amrabat’s Morocco will host Zambia in a World Cup qualifier in Agadir (20:00 BST).

Recommended:

Thursday 06 June 2024 10:00