Finland striker Teemu Pukki said their Euro 2020 opener against Denmark on Saturday was one of the most difficult games of his career after Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed and required emergency medical treatment on the pitch.

Inter Milan playmaker Eriksen collapsed suddenly in the 42nd minute of the match while running near the left touchline after a Denmark throw-in and was given life-saving cardiac massage treatment and taken to hospital.

The Group B game was eventually restarted an hour and 45 minutes later after news came through that Eriksen had regained consciousness and Finland went on to win 1-0 thanks to a Joel Pohjanpalo goal.

"I must say it's been definitely one of the most difficult games of my career. Hopefully, everything is getting a better direction now," Pukki told reporters.

"We decided to do what the Danish team would decide and were ready to continue whatever decision was taken. It was definitely not easy to come back to the pitch. But once we heard everything seemed to be fine, we started concentrating again on the game.

"In the end, we're glad about the victory. The atmosphere after the game is definitely not as glorious as usual but we got important three points."

Finland skipper Tim Sparv described the contest as an emotional roller-coaster.

"Our thoughts are with Christian Eriksen and his loved ones during these difficult times," Sparv tweeted. "Football&nbsp;is so insignificant when something like this happens. Life is precious. Take care of each other."

Eriksen's former club Tottenham Hotspur, who he left in 2020 to join Inter, tweeted a message of support, saying that he would "always be one of our own".

Finland striker Teemu Pukki said their Euro 2020 opener against Denmark on Saturday was one of the most difficult games of his career after Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed and required emergency medical treatment on the pitch.

Finland striker Teemu Pukki said their Euro 2020 opener against Denmark on Saturday was one of the most difficult games of his career after Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed and required emergency medical treatment on the pitch. Inter Milan playmaker Eriksen collapsed suddenly in the 42nd minute of the match while running near the left touchline after a Denmark throw-in and was given life-saving cardiac massage treatment and taken to hospital. The Group B game was eventually restarted an hour and 45 minutes later after news came through that Eriksen had regained consciousness and Finland went on to win 1-0 thanks to a Joel Pohjanpalo goal. "I must say it's been definitely one of the most difficult games of my career. Hopefully, everything is getting a better direction now," Pukki told reporters. "We decided to do what the Danish team would decide and were ready to continue whatever decision was taken. It was definitely not easy to come back to the pitch. But once we heard everything seemed to be fine, we started concentrating again on the game. "In the end, we're glad about the victory. The atmosphere after the game is definitely not as glorious as usual but we got important three points." Finland skipper Tim Sparv described the contest as an emotional roller-coaster. "Our thoughts are with Christian Eriksen and his loved ones during these difficult times," Sparv tweeted. "Football is so insignificant when something like this happens. Life is precious. Take care of each other." Eriksen's former club Tottenham Hotspur, who he left in 2020 to join Inter, tweeted a message of support, saying that he would "always be one of our own".

Football: Teemu Pukki says Denmark game among most difficult of career after Eriksen scare

French President Emmanuel Macron has become the unlikely owner of a Teemu Pukki jersey, but he did not have to swap shirts with the Finnish striker who has emerged as the Premier League's standout player this season.

Macron was gifted a jersey bearing the name of Finland's soccer hero after an official meeting with the country's Prime Minister Antti Rinne at the Elysee Palace in France on Wednesday.

Rinne later posted a photo of the pair with Macron holding what the Finland Prime Minister described as a "small gift."

Pukki has taken the English top-flight by storm this season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in five matches for promoted Norwich City.

The 29-year-old Finland international was named the Premier League player of the month for August and celebrated the award by scripting a shock 3-2 victory over champions Manchester City in their last match.

French President Emmanuel Macron has become the unlikely owner of a Teemu Pukki jersey, but he did not have to swap shirts with the Finnish striker who has emerged as the Premier League's standout player this season.

French President Emmanuel Macron has become the unlikely owner of a Teemu Pukki jersey, but he did not have to swap shirts with the Finnish striker who has emerged as the Premier League's standout player this season. Macron was gifted a jersey bearing the name of Finland's soccer hero after an official meeting with the country's Prime Minister Antti Rinne at the Elysee Palace in France on Wednesday. Rinne later posted a photo of the pair with Macron holding what the Finland Prime Minister described as a "small gift." Pukki has taken the English top-flight by storm this season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in five matches for promoted Norwich City. The 29-year-old Finland international was named the Premier League player of the month for August and celebrated the award by scripting a shock 3-2 victory over champions Manchester City in their last match.

Teemu Pukki fever reaches France as Emmanuel Macron is gifted Finn's jersey

An injury-ravaged Norwich City outclassed champions Manchester City 3-2 in the Premier League on Saturday with striker Teemu Pukki scoring one and setting up another for a famous win at Carrow Road.

Eleven players were sidelined for Norwich, with many suffering injuries during the international break, but that did not stop the promoted side from handing Pep Guardiola's men their first loss of the season.

Norwich took the lead in the 18th minute from a corner floated in by Emiliano Buendia towards the near post which was headed home by Kenny McLean for his first-ever Premier League goal.

"I don't think many people gave us a chance but we came out fighting," McLean said in a post-match interview. "There were plenty of injuries but we couldn't use that as an excuse. We have a good squad, a good bench and the performance was excellent."

Norwich doubled the lead from a counter-attack when Pukki carried the ball forward, drawing City defender Kyle Walker out of position before teeing up an unmarked Todd Cantwell who tapped the ball into an empty net.

"We got off to a flyer and we knew they would have plenty of the ball," McLean added. "We knew the counter-attack and set pieces would be vital for us and it worked out that way."

Sergio Aguero halved the lead at the stroke of halftime when he found space between the two centre backs and nodded home Bernardo Silva's cross to maintain his run of scoring in every league game so far this season.

Man City defender Nicolas Otamendi gifted Norwich a third when he dallied on the ball and allowed Buendia to steal in and take it off him to set up Pukki for his sixth goal of the season as manager Guardiola fumed on the bench.

Rodri, Man City's club-record signing, set up a tense finish to the match when he fired in his first goal for the club. But Norwich held on to take all three points.

"I can't praise enough the spirit and mentality of my players because it was an unbelievably complicated week," Norwich boss Daniel Farke said.

"It is a great day for us, for the whole club and for the supporters. Carrow Road is absolutely buzzing and it's a win for our owners because they are such kind-hearted people and we cannot ask for better owners."

The result leaves Man City five points behind league leaders Liverpool while Norwich, who became the first promoted side to beat Guardiola's team in the Premier League, have moved up to 12th.

An injury-ravaged Norwich City outclassed champions Manchester City 3-2 in the Premier League on Saturday with striker Teemu Pukki scoring one and setting up another for a famous win at Carrow Road.

An injury-ravaged Norwich City outclassed champions Manchester City 3-2 in the Premier League on Saturday with striker Teemu Pukki scoring one and setting up another for a famous win at Carrow Road. Eleven players were sidelined for Norwich, with many suffering injuries during the international break, but that did not stop the promoted side from handing Pep Guardiola's men their first loss of the season. Norwich took the lead in the 18th minute from a corner floated in by Emiliano Buendia towards the near post which was headed home by Kenny McLean for his first-ever Premier League goal. "I don't think many people gave us a chance but we came out fighting," McLean said in a post-match interview. "There were plenty of injuries but we couldn't use that as an excuse. We have a good squad, a good bench and the performance was excellent." Norwich doubled the lead from a counter-attack when Pukki carried the ball forward, drawing City defender Kyle Walker out of position before teeing up an unmarked Todd Cantwell who tapped the ball into an empty net. "We got off to a flyer and we knew they would have plenty of the ball," McLean added. "We knew the counter-attack and set pieces would be vital for us and it worked out that way." Sergio Aguero halved the lead at the stroke of halftime when he found space between the two centre backs and nodded home Bernardo Silva's cross to maintain his run of scoring in every league game so far this season. Man City defender Nicolas Otamendi gifted Norwich a third when he dallied on the ball and allowed Buendia to steal in and take it off him to set up Pukki for his sixth goal of the season as manager Guardiola fumed on the bench. Rodri, Man City's club-record signing, set up a tense finish to the match when he fired in his first goal for the club. But Norwich held on to take all three points. "I can't praise enough the spirit and mentality of my players because it was an unbelievably complicated week," Norwich boss Daniel Farke said. "It is a great day for us, for the whole club and for the supporters. Carrow Road is absolutely buzzing and it's a win for our owners because they are such kind-hearted people and we cannot ask for better owners." The result leaves Man City five points behind league leaders Liverpool while Norwich, who became the first promoted side to beat Guardiola's team in the Premier League, have moved up to 12th.

Teemu Pukki shines as injury-hit Norwich upset Manchester City 3-2

Tammy Abraham fired Chelsea to their first win of the Frank Lampard era as the young striker's double clinched a 3-2 victory against Norwich on Saturday.

Lampard had gone three games without a win in all competitions since he took over as Chelsea manager, but the Blues legend finally got off the mark thanks to his faith in Abraham.

Abraham had failed to score in his three previous appearances this term, but the 21-year-old striker bagged his first goal for the club to put Chelsea ahead in the sunshine at Carrow Road.

A pulsating encounter saw Todd Cantwell equalise for Norwich before Mason Mount restored Chelsea's advantage.

Teemu Pukki's fifth goal in three games this season brought Norwich back on level terms before half-time, only for Abraham to give Chelsea the points with his predatory second half finish.

After a thrashing at Manchester United and a draw with Leicester in Chelsea's first two Premier League matches, Lampard will have been encouraged by the displays of Abraham and Mount.

He has pinned his hopes on the youngsters to lead Chelsea through a potentially difficult season that sees the club under a transfer ban and without their best player following Eden Hazard's move to Real Madrid.

While Chelsea have now conceded nine goals in four games in all competitions under Lampard, the former England midfielder will hope his team's attacking potential keeps them afloat.

When Pedro suffered a hamstring injury in the warm-up and was replaced by Ross Barkley, it left Lampard to send out the youngest start league line-up for Chelsea in 25 years at an average age of 24 years and 208 days.

Abraham was one of the youngsters Lampard had backed to shine as he replaced Olivier Giroud after being benched against Leicester last weekend.

Subjected to racist abuse on social media after missing the penalty which saw Chelsea lose the European Super Cup penalty shoot-out against Liverpool recently, Abraham took just three minutes to reward Lampard for his decision.

Cesar Azpilicueta whipped over a precise cross and Abraham alertly drifted away from the Norwich defence to drill a fine first-time strike past Tim Krul from 10 yards.

Touchline celebrations

Abraham, who flourished on loan at second tier Aston Villa last season, celebrated by sprinting to the touchline to hug Lampard as the pair were mobbed by their team-mates.

Three minutes later, Chelsea's creaky defence was exposed by Emiliano Buendia's burst into the penalty area.

Buendia found Pukki, fresh from last weekend's hat-trick against Newcastle, and this time the prolific Finland striker was the provider with a low cross that Cantwell turned in from close-range.

Lampard's team responded in the 17th minute when Norwich were caught in possession outside their own area and Christian Pulisic fed Mount, the 20-year-old midfielder cutting inside and firing home for his second goal of the season.

Andreas Christensen's point-blank header was superbly pushed over by Krul and Norwich were back on level terms in the 31st minute.

Buendia played a pass to Pukki and, with Chelsea's defenders slow to react, the former Celtic forward demonstrated why he has taken the Premier League by storm with an angled shot that evaded Kepa Arrizabalaga's limp attempt to save.

Mount and Pulisic were both narrowly off target, while Azpilicueta sliced over and Emerson shot straight at Krul as Chelsea pressed hard after the interval.

Azpilicueta appealed in vain for a penalty after a challenge from Marco Stiepermann, but Chelsea's pressure was rewarded in the 68th minute.

Picked out by Mateo Kovacic, Abraham left Grant Hanley and Jamal Lewis in his wake as he jinked past the Norwich defenders before slamming a fierce strike past Krul's mistimed dive.

Norwich's Ben Godfrey headed against the bar moments later, while Chelsea were denied a fourth goal when Kurt Zouma's effort was disallowed by VAR for Giroud's foul on Krul.

Tammy Abraham fired Chelsea to their first win of the Frank Lampard era as the young striker's double clinched a 3-2 victory against Norwich on Saturday. Lampard had gone three games without a win in all competitions since he took over as Chelsea manager, but the Blues legend finally got off the mark thanks to his faith in Abraham.

Tammy Abraham fired Chelsea to their first win of the Frank Lampard era as the young striker's double clinched a 3-2 victory against Norwich on Saturday. Lampard had gone three games without a win in all competitions since he took over as Chelsea manager, but the Blues legend finally got off the mark thanks to his faith in Abraham. Abraham had failed to score in his three previous appearances this term, but the 21-year-old striker bagged his first goal for the club to put Chelsea ahead in the sunshine at Carrow Road. A pulsating encounter saw Todd Cantwell equalise for Norwich before Mason Mount restored Chelsea's advantage. Teemu Pukki's fifth goal in three games this season brought Norwich back on level terms before half-time, only for Abraham to give Chelsea the points with his predatory second half finish. After a thrashing at Manchester United and a draw with Leicester in Chelsea's first two Premier League matches, Lampard will have been encouraged by the displays of Abraham and Mount. He has pinned his hopes on the youngsters to lead Chelsea through a potentially difficult season that sees the club under a transfer ban and without their best player following Eden Hazard's move to Real Madrid. While Chelsea have now conceded nine goals in four games in all competitions under Lampard, the former England midfielder will hope his team's attacking potential keeps them afloat. When Pedro suffered a hamstring injury in the warm-up and was replaced by Ross Barkley, it left Lampard to send out the youngest start league line-up for Chelsea in 25 years at an average age of 24 years and 208 days. Abraham was one of the youngsters Lampard had backed to shine as he replaced Olivier Giroud after being benched against Leicester last weekend. Subjected to racist abuse on social media after missing the penalty which saw Chelsea lose the European Super Cup penalty shoot-out against Liverpool recently, Abraham took just three minutes to reward Lampard for his decision. Cesar Azpilicueta whipped over a precise cross and Abraham alertly drifted away from the Norwich defence to drill a fine first-time strike past Tim Krul from 10 yards. Touchline celebrations Abraham, who flourished on loan at second tier Aston Villa last season, celebrated by sprinting to the touchline to hug Lampard as the pair were mobbed by their team-mates. Three minutes later, Chelsea's creaky defence was exposed by Emiliano Buendia's burst into the penalty area. Buendia found Pukki, fresh from last weekend's hat-trick against Newcastle, and this time the prolific Finland striker was the provider with a low cross that Cantwell turned in from close-range. Lampard's team responded in the 17th minute when Norwich were caught in possession outside their own area and Christian Pulisic fed Mount, the 20-year-old midfielder cutting inside and firing home for his second goal of the season. Andreas Christensen's point-blank header was superbly pushed over by Krul and Norwich were back on level terms in the 31st minute. Buendia played a pass to Pukki and, with Chelsea's defenders slow to react, the former Celtic forward demonstrated why he has taken the Premier League by storm with an angled shot that evaded Kepa Arrizabalaga's limp attempt to save. Mount and Pulisic were both narrowly off target, while Azpilicueta sliced over and Emerson shot straight at Krul as Chelsea pressed hard after the interval. Azpilicueta appealed in vain for a penalty after a challenge from Marco Stiepermann, but Chelsea's pressure was rewarded in the 68th minute. Picked out by Mateo Kovacic, Abraham left Grant Hanley and Jamal Lewis in his wake as he jinked past the Norwich defenders before slamming a fierce strike past Krul's mistimed dive. Norwich's Ben Godfrey headed against the bar moments later, while Chelsea were denied a fourth goal when Kurt Zouma's effort was disallowed by VAR for Giroud's foul on Krul.

Tammy Abraham double fires Chelsea to first win of Lampard's reign

Norwich City's Finland striker Teemu Pukki grabbed a hat-trick, including a thunderous volley, as they beat Newcastle United 3-1 in their first home game back in the Premier League after a three-year absence at a sunny Carrow Road on Saturday.

Last season's Championship top scorer and Player of the Season showed his class as the Canaries handed Newcastle's new manager Steve Bruce his second league defeat of the season on an unhappy return to a club he captained in the mid-1980s.

"Three points was what we wanted today. The first hat-trick in England so I'm really happy. Good, good victory especially after the display last week," said 29-year-old Pukki, who also got on the scoresheet in Norwich's opening 4-1 loss at Anfield.

"There are better players than in the Championship, but we are playing better football and the guys are creating chances - I could have scored more.

"My daughter will probably play with the match-ball. It will have a special place."

Norwich, who had dominated the opening exchanges, took the lead just past the half hour when Pukki gave goalkeeper Martin Dubravka no chance with a stunning strike from 15 metres after a cross from Emiliano Buendia was headed out by the defence.

The Finn got his second after 63 minutes when Todd Cantwell rolled the ball to him and Pukki cut inside before striking a low shot into the bottom corner from just inside the area.

The striker wrapped up the points with his third goal in the 75th, after being set up by Cantwell again, before Jonjo Shelvey's late consolation for the visitors as Daniel Farke's Norwich put their opening league defeat behind them.

Pukki is the first Norwich player to score a Premier League hat-trick since Efan Ekoku against Everton in 1993.

"It was a brilliant performance by Teemu today not just because of his goals but his workload," said the Norwich boss. "I was especially pleased with the defence. Grant Hanley had an unlucky time at Liverpool but a great performance today."

Norwich captain Hanley put Liverpool ahead last week with an early own goal but he marshalled the defence superbly against his old team, who rarely threatened and wasted the few chances they created including a glaring headed miss by Joelinton.

"It was hugely disappointing in the manner of it (the defeat)," said Bruce. "We certainly didn't do enough with or without the ball and we'll have to put that right for sure."

Norwich City's Finland striker Teemu Pukki grabbed a hat-trick, including a thunderous volley, as they beat Newcastle United 3-1 in their first home game back in the Premier League after a three-year absence at a sunny Carrow Road on Saturday.

Norwich City's Finland striker Teemu Pukki grabbed a hat-trick, including a thunderous volley, as they beat Newcastle United 3-1 in their first home game back in the Premier League after a three-year absence at a sunny Carrow Road on Saturday. Last season's Championship top scorer and Player of the Season showed his class as the Canaries handed Newcastle's new manager Steve Bruce his second league defeat of the season on an unhappy return to a club he captained in the mid-1980s. "Three points was what we wanted today. The first hat-trick in England so I'm really happy. Good, good victory especially after the display last week," said 29-year-old Pukki, who also got on the scoresheet in Norwich's opening 4-1 loss at Anfield. "There are better players than in the Championship, but we are playing better football and the guys are creating chances - I could have scored more. "My daughter will probably play with the match-ball. It will have a special place." Norwich, who had dominated the opening exchanges, took the lead just past the half hour when Pukki gave goalkeeper Martin Dubravka no chance with a stunning strike from 15 metres after a cross from Emiliano Buendia was headed out by the defence. The Finn got his second after 63 minutes when Todd Cantwell rolled the ball to him and Pukki cut inside before striking a low shot into the bottom corner from just inside the area. The striker wrapped up the points with his third goal in the 75th, after being set up by Cantwell again, before Jonjo Shelvey's late consolation for the visitors as Daniel Farke's Norwich put their opening league defeat behind them. Pukki is the first Norwich player to score a Premier League hat-trick since Efan Ekoku against Everton in 1993. "It was a brilliant performance by Teemu today not just because of his goals but his workload," said the Norwich boss. "I was especially pleased with the defence. Grant Hanley had an unlucky time at Liverpool but a great performance today." Norwich captain Hanley put Liverpool ahead last week with an early own goal but he marshalled the defence superbly against his old team, who rarely threatened and wasted the few chances they created including a glaring headed miss by Joelinton. "It was hugely disappointing in the manner of it (the defeat)," said Bruce. "We certainly didn't do enough with or without the ball and we'll have to put that right for sure."

Superb Pukki hat-trick gives Norwich win over Newcastle

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Football: Teemu Pukki says Denmark game among most difficult of career after Eriksen scare

Teemu Pukki fever reaches France as Emmanuel Macron is gifted Finn's jersey

Teemu Pukki shines as injury-hit Norwich upset Manchester City 3-2

Tammy Abraham double fires Chelsea to first win of Lampard's reign

Superb Pukki hat-trick gives Norwich win over Newcastle