Denmark hopes to pay supporters back

COPENHAGEN — After a stirring tribute to Christian Eriksen and a “magical” atmosphere created by their fans, Denmark’s players want to pay their supporters back at the European Championship.

They have one last chance to do so when they face Russia in Copenhagen on Monday, knowing a win could still be enough to see them through to the next round at Euro 2020.

The Denmark soccer team was still processing the many emotions Friday from its game against Belgium the previous night, when a raucous crowd paid tribute to Eriksen with a minute’s applause after 10 minutes. Denmark took an early lead but Belgium launched a secondhalf comeback to win 2-1.

“That atmosphere and that support, it was something I’ve never experienced before,” Denmark midfielder Pierreemile Hojbjerg said. “It was exceptional and very, very powerful. So many people have supported us. Now all you want to do, for everything in the world, is to pay them back with everything you have.”

The Belgium game was Denmark’s first match since Eriksen suffered cardiac arrest in the opener against Finland and had to be resuscitated with a defibrillator. Eriksen was released from the hospital Friday, the Danish soccer federation said.