Christian Eriksen stable after cardiac arrest. Video / AP
The football community has heaped praise on Denmark captain Simon Kjaer following his heroic actions during Christian Eriksen's health scare on Sunday morning AEST.
Late in the first half Denmark's tournament opener against Finland, Eriksen fell face-forward into the turf at Copenhagen's Parken Stadium.
Teammates and spectators were seen crying and praying as medics performed CPR on the midfielder.
Christian Eriksen of Denmark goes down injured as team mates (L-R) Simon Kjaer, Andreas Christensen, Martin Braithwaite and Thomas Delaney call for assistance. Photo / Getty Images
BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce said: "The pictures you are seeing here in the Parken Stadium in Denmark are terrible."
After Eriksen collapsed, the 32-year-old defender quickly secured his teammate's neck, cleared his airways and administrated CPR until medics arrived.
Denmark's team captain Simon Kjaer consoles Eriksen's distraught wife Sabrina Kvist Jensen. Photo / AP
Kjaer then consoled Eriksen's distraught wife Sabrina Kvist Jensen, wrapping his arms around her as the Inter Milan midfielder received treatment.
British television personality Piers Morgan tweeted: "Denmark's captain @simonkjaer1989 ensured Eriksen didn't swallow his tongue when he was unconscious, gave him CPR, told the squad to form a protective shield around him, consoled Eriksen's horrified wife & has now led his team back into the game. You, sir, are a hero."
Joachim Maehle, Andreas Christensen, Simon Kjar, Martin Braithwaite helping Christian Eriksen after he collapsed. Photo / Getty Images
Former Arsenal footballer Li Ke posted: "I think we all wonder how we'll react in a crisis situation … And until it happens, you'll never really know. Simon Kjaer now knows. Hero."
I think we all wonder how we’ll react in a crisis situation… And until it happens, you’ll never really know.
Captain and hero: Simon Kjaer. Before the medics got there he secured his neck, cleared the airways and started CPR. Could have saved #Eriksen’s life. Act of heroism. Kjaer trying to keep also Cristian’s wife strong, is very emotional. What a man. 💪 So proud of you 🙏♥️ pic.twitter.com/eOFOMksODe
Match referee Anthony Taylor was also applauded for immediately halting the Group B match and signalling for medical help when Eriksen collapsed.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Denmark team doctor Martin Boesen revealed Eriksen's pulse had stopped during the scary ordeal.
"We were called on the pitch when Christian fell down, I didn't see myself but it was pretty clear he was unconscious," Boesen said.
"When I get to him, he's on his side. He is breathing and I can see (a) pulse but suddenly that changes, and as everyone saw we started giving him CPR.
Christian Eriksen receives medical treatment. Photo / Getty Images
"The help came really, really fast from the medical team and the rest of the staff, and with their co-operation we did what we had to do. We managed to get Christian back."
Meanwhile, the BBC was forced to apologise after football fans slammed the broadcaster for their "inexcusable" coverage of Eriksen's health scare.
