Christian Eriksen scored moments after coming on as a substitute, in his first cap since suffering cardiac arrest at the European Championships in June.
It was a dream comeback for the Danish midfielder, save for the fact that Denmark lost 4-2 to the Netherlands.
Beyond the result in an entertaining friendly match, it was emotional. The crowd in Amsterdam gave a standing ovation to Eriksen, whose career was highlighted here with Ajax.
“Being back here is always beautiful,” Eriksen told national television NOS in Dutch. “I lived here many very nice years.”
The footballer said he still often thinks about the night he collapsed in Copenhagen during a match against Finland.
Kasper Khulmand, the Danish coach, also enjoyed the return.
“It’s always a pleasure to see Christian Eriksen play football,” he said.
Eriksen, who had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator fitted, received a pat on the back from Hjulmand, a handshake from Memphis Depay, and a standing ovation from the crowd at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
That poignant moment came when Eriksen jogged onto the pitch early in the second half.
Hjulmand said he reminded Eriksen of some tactics before sending him out on the field. Then he gave her a simple message.
“Enjoy and welcome back.”
Just two minutes later, Eriksen fired powerfully to cut the Danes’ deficit to 3-2 after an exciting first half.
“I felt chills,” admitted Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt. “It’s wonderful that he’s back, as well as the way he scored and hit the post today. All of that absolutely showed his great class.”
The Dutch dominated before the break, with goals from Steven Bergwijn, Nathan Aké and Depay.
Through a header, Jannik Vestergaard kept the Danes in the match.
Bergwijn opened the scoring in the 16th minute when he jumped in to finish off Daley Blind’s cross from the left flank.
Vestergaard’s equalizer came three minutes later, beating goalkeeper Mark Flekken, who was making his debut for the Netherlands.
Aké restored the Dutch lead in the 29th minute and Depay converted a penalty in the 38th as the Netherlands went into halftime with a two-goal lead.
Eriksen’s powerful strike to close the gap was his 37th international goal, equaling the legendary Michael Laudrup.
Bergwijn scored his second goal of the night after a good escape from Frenkie de Jong from midfield. The winger received De Jong’s pass, dribbled inside and curled over Kasper Schmeichel.
Bergwijn’s last four goals in all competitions have come against Schmeichel.
Eriksen was about to make his return more spectacular. He shot from long range in the 74th, beating Flekken, but the ball hit the post.
