There’s a saying that sports can bring out all ends of the emotional spectrum, for both players and fans alike. After waiting an extra year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the qualifiers of UEFA Euro 2020 (they’re still keeping that name despite holding the tournament in 2021) are more than eager to begin competing for continental supremacy.

But there’s also the realization that compared to the bigger picture of life, sports can sometimes seem trivial. Case in point: Saturday’s group match between Denmark & Finland, when Danish star Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field late in the first half.

Those who are avid soccer followers know by now what happened in the moments since; the match stopping as Eriksen’s teammates formed a wall to allow doctors to work uninterrupted to revive him; the relief when it became clear Eriksen was going to be okay; the surreal feeling when the match resumed later that evening, as Finland scored a second-half goal to win 1-0 in their first-ever major tournament match.

In the days since, Denmark players and coaches argued that they were only given two options by UEFA in terms of finishing the match: either later that night, or early the next afternoon. This brings to mind the 2003 Confederations Cup semifinal, when Cameroon’s Marc-Vivien Foé collapsed during their match with Colombia; he was rushed to a hospital where he later passed away. Despite the tragic circumstances, FIFA elected to continue playing the remaining matches. Thankfully, it seems Eriksen is going to make a full recovery, but how will his Danish teammates’ be able to put those traumatizing images behind them and get results from their remaining group games?

As for the remaining group matches, there have been a few surprises; Sweden putting in a stout defensive effort to earn a point against Spain among the key examples. Many of the pre-tournament favorites, though, have managed wins to open group play, including France benefitting from a own goal to win at Germany. With all 24 teams having played their opener though, it is likely fans will witness more upsets over the following 10 days leading up to the knockout round.

Overall, the fact that there is a major soccer tournament this year is a win given what’s happened in the last 15-16 months. Even if it’s just a small step on a long way to total normalcy, it’s still a better option than another summer of waiting.