A storm has stopped Germany and Denmark’s Euro 2024 last-16 match in Dortmund, as thunder and lightning raged overhead in the first half and hailstones started to fall.
With just over 30 minutes played and the score 0-0, referee Michael Oliver took the players off the pitch. “Due to adverse weather conditions, the match has been suspended,” screens inside the stadium read.
The hosts came in as favourites having strolled through the group stages with two impressive performances in their opening two games, meaning they had qualified with a game to spare when they faced Switzerland, though the nature of that 1-1 draw meant that manager Julian Nagelsmann will be demanding an exciting performance.
Denmark had a far more underwhelming group stage, with three draws, meaning they picked up a meagre three points, which was just enough to creep through to second place in Group C.
As torrential rain fell at the Westfalenstadion, puncturing the stadium’s roof with waterfalls that crashed down in the stadium below, both sets of players stood at the edge of the pitch for a few moments before being led into the dressing rooms.
The associations wrote on X, “Due to adverse weather conditions (thunderstorms and heavy rain) in Dortmund, it has been decided to suspend the UEFA EURO 2024 Round of 16 match between Germany and Denmark.
“UEFA will make an announcement on the resumption of the match in due course.
