Midfielder Christian Eriksen returned to Denmark tonight. Precisely in the stadium of Ajax, where he played from 2008 to 2013. Eriksen scored almost immediately after his return, but it turned out not to be enough for the victory: 4-2.
Eriksen came in for Jesper Lindstrøm at half-time. He saw the Dutch team play in the new 1-3-4-1-2 system for the first time from the bench. It became 1-0 via Amsterdammer Steven Bergwijn. This lead was not to be enjoyed for long. The first chance of the Danes went into the goal of debutant Mark Fleks via Jannik Vestergaard: 1-1. The Netherlands then straightened and came 3-1 before halftime via a header by Nathan Aké and a penalty by Memphis Depay.
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Eriksen’s substitution led to applause from supporters and national coach Louis van Gaal. It was the first time that the midfielder returned to action for Denmark after his cardiac arrest at the European Championship against Finland last year. After Eriksen’s return to the Johan Cruijff Arena, it took two minutes before he scored: 3-2. Bergwijn was allowed to make his second in the seventieth minute, but the victory was no longer in danger.
Next Tuesday, the Dutch national team will play against Germany in Amsterdam. Kick-off is at 8.45pm.