Eriksen scores, steals hearts

Christian Eriksen (left) is greeted by the fourth official before he enters the field v the Netherlands

Christian Eriksen scored moments after entering as a substitute for Denmark against the Netherlands on Saturday night to make a dream return in his first international match since his cardiac arrest during the European Championship in June.

The Netherlands won the match 4-2, but the result of the friendly seemed almost irrelevant to the crowd at the stadium where Eriksen first rose to prominence for Ajax. "To be back here is always beautiful. I had many beautiful years here," Eriksen, told Dutch broadcaster NOS. He said he still often thinks of the night he collapsed in Copenhagen against Finland. "It's part of me. It's part of the world," he said.

"It's always a pleasure to see Christian Eriksen play football," said Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand. Eriksen, fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, got a pat on the back from Hjulmand, a handshake from Memphis Depay, and a standing ovation from much of the Johan Cruyff Arena as he trotted onto the pitch to make his return to international competition at the start of the second half. Just over two minutes later he fired home a powerful shot to cut the Dutch lead to 3-2. "I had goosebumps. It's great that he's back, and how he scored and showed his absolute class," Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt said.

The Dutch dominated before the break with goals from Steven Bergwijn, Nathan Ake and Depay. Jannik Vestergaard's 19th-minute header kept the Danes in touch.

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