“Welcome back Christian” read a giant banner held up by Denmark fans in a section of Parken Stadium.

Seeing Christian Eriksen walk out in a Denmark jersey, in the same stadium in Copenhagen where he suffered a cardiac arrest nine months ago, was enough of a reason for the national team’s adoring fans to enjoy a big celebration on Tuesday.

He did more than that.

The biggest cheer during Denmark’s 3-0 win over Serbia in an emotionally powered international friendly came in the 58th minute, when Eriksen cut inside onto his right foot and powered home a shot from the edge of the area. He ran toward the crowd with a clenched fist and slid on his knees in unbridled joy.

It was Eriksen’s first appearance at Parken since his near-fatal collapse there during a match against Finland at the European Championship, and he was given a rapturous welcome by fans as he led Denmark team out for the friendly as captain.

He also scored two minutes after coming on as a half-time substitute against the Netherlands on Saturday in his first appearance for Denmark since his collapse.

Rehab begins

Italy won’t be in Qatar, having lost shockingly to North Macedonia in a semi-final playoff last week, and began their rehabilitation with a 3-2 victory over Turkey.

Gianluigi Donnarumma had come in for a lot of criticism for North Macedonia’s goal and he was again at fault for Turkey’s two goals.

Maguire jeered

Harry Maguire was jeered by sections of England fans during his team’s 3-0 win over 10-man Ivory Coast at Wembley Stadium.

Ollie Watkins, Raheem Sterlingand Tyrone Mings scored the goals, with the Ivorians hampered by right back Serge Aurier’s first-half red card for two bookings when the score was 1-0.

Germany held

Steven Bergwijn scored his third goal in two matches to earn the Netherlands a 1-1 draw against Germany after Thomas Mueller had given the visitors the lead at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

France were in total control against South Africa and cruised to a 5-0 win as Kylian Mbappe scored twice in Lille. AC Milan forward Olivier Giroud bagged his 48th international goal and is now three goals away from Thierry Henry’s all-time record of 51 for France.