JAKARTA - There was one final outpouring of emotion when the Denmark squad arrived back in Copenhagen after losing 1-2 against England in extra time to the Euro 2020 semifinals at Wembley Stadium which ended their tortuous journey in this tournament.
Denmark bounced back after a heart attack hit Christian Eriksen on the pitch in their first game and from defeats in their first two games to pave the way for a remarkable run to the last four where they were knocked out by England in Wednesday's semi-final.
"Nice to meet you guys, glad it didn't happen online. This is our way of saying thank you," coach Kasper Hjulmand told reporters after his squad arrived at Copenhagen Airport from London on Thursday.
"It was so strong what we've been through and now I'm starting to cry again," she said, holding back tears.
NOT DANMARK ❤️🇩🇰👏#ForDanmark #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/Ztaj9LvsvF
— DBU - En Del Af Noget Større (@DBUfodbold) July 8, 2021
"We continue with two things, one we want to win. We are close, and we are upset and disappointed. Number two, we want to inspire and unite Denmark. We will continue to do so."
"We are grateful for the support, and without that support we wouldn't have bounced back, and we end it by applauding the people."
The players and technical staff then clapped as a sign of gratitude to the fans who had supported them throughout the tournament.
Many players shed tears as they embraced before parting ways.
Outside the arrivals hall, they received a hero's welcome as friends, family, and well-wishers cheered as players and staff left.
"There's pride behind all of this, because it's a big journey. We've been through all these emotions and I've never experienced anything like this," said captain Simon Kjaer.
Kjaer admitted to having spoken to Eriksen after the semi-final.
Hjem til Danmark ️🇩🇰#ForDanmark #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/BK7rlDkYNk
— DBU - En Del Af Noget Større (@DBUfodbold) July 8, 2021
"He is disappointed with the result, but he is enjoying time with his family," Kjaer added. Eriksen was replayed in front of shocked supporters and global TV audiences during Denmark's first group stage match against Finland.
UEFA said Eriksen, his partner and six medics were invited to the final, but there was no confirmation on whether he would attend.
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and midfielder Thomas Delaney admit they will not watch Sunday's final when England face Italy at Wembley.
They talk about friendships forged in what they describe as lifelong experiences.
"In 20, 30, 40 years we will remember this feeling. It's an incredible team," Delaney said. "Everything we've been through is something that sticks in the soul."
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
