On 7 July 2021, UEFA announced that it had invited Denmark international Christian Eriksen and the paramedics who helped save his life during an on-field cardiac arrest to attend the Euro 2020 final at Wembley on Sunday.
Christian Eriksen, 29, collapsed on the Parken Stadium field in the first half against Finland, his eyes staring blank into a TV camera. CPR was administered and his heart was restarted with a defibrillator as players shielded the medics.
One of the paramedics, Peder Ersgaard, expressed his gratitude for the invitation, saying, "I'm excited, like a child on Christmas Eve." He also praised the team effort, stating, "I'm very proud of my efforts, but also of the whole team. It wasn't a one-man effort."
Denmark has stormed into the semi-finals and will play England on Wednesday for a place in the final. Italy will face Spain in the other semi-final on Tuesday.
"I hope to see Denmark against Italy. That would be really, really big. Just imagine if they become European champions," Ersgaard added.
