Germany-Denmark match suspended due to thunder and lightning

Germany’s return match against Denmark in the Euro 2024 round of 16 was suspended in the first half due to a storm.

After 38 minutes at the Westfalenstadion the score remained 0-0 when referee Michael Oliver decided to suspend play and call the players off the pitch.

Thunderstorms were predicted in Dortmund from late Saturday night into Sunday morning, but they arrived earlier than expected and caused disruption to play.

There was heavy rain and hail, and loud thunder and lightning could be heard from the stadium.

Players initially retreated to the touchline before being ordered to seek shelter in their respective locker rooms.

UEFA’s general rule is that if lightning strikes within a 10-mile radius, a 30-minute delay will apply. However, there is no established protocol.

The plan is to continue playing this evening, but a final decision has not yet been made.

Germany started the game brilliantly with dry conditions. Nico Schlotterbeck had the ball in the Denmark goal after four minutes, but the goal was canceled due to a block by Joshua Kimmich on Andreas Skov Olsen.

The hosts had the advantage in the first half, but the Danes also had chances through Christian Eriksen and Joakim Maehle.