Germany’s Euro 2024 last 16 tie with Denmark was halted during the first half due to a lightning storm.
The score was level at 0-0 after 35 minutes at the Westfalenstadion when referee Michael Oliver decided to suspend play and call the players off the pitch.
Storms were forecast in Dortmund later on Saturday night and into Sunday morning, but they arrived earlier than expected and brought disruption to the game.
Heavy rain and hail stones poured down while loud thunder was heard and lightning could be seen from the stadium.
Players retreated to the touchlines initially before they were then told to take shelter in their respective dressing rooms.
UEFA’s rule of thumb is that if a lightning strike occurs within 10 miles, a 30-minute delay would be called into effect. There isn’t, however, a set protocol.
The rain soon eased and play was able to continue not long after the suspension.
Germany had made a great start to the game when conditions were dry. Nico Schlotterbeck had the ball in the Denmark net after four minutes, but the goal was ruled out for a block by Joshua Kimmich on Andreas Skov Olsen.
The hosts had the better of the first half but Denmark had chances of their own through Christian Eriksen and Joakim Maehle and were easing into the game shortly before play was temporarily suepended.
The winners of this tie will face either Spain or Georgia in the quarter-finals.
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