Germany’s Euro 2024 knockout tie with Denmark suffered a 24-minute delay due to thunder and lightning in Dortmund.
English referee Michael Oliver suspended the round-of-16 tie, which was scoreless, after 35 minutes before the weather relented.
![Play was suspended after 35 minutes in Dortmund](https://www.irishnews.com/resizer/v2/HP6LTBQB5RPRJOIG55OLHPHVRM.jpg?auth=b8b9d206308afe415636e81b7206d7a1fe5fcd8cbb38d61dd5048785a8877b7f&width=800&height=533)
As torrential rain fell at the Westfalenstadion, both sets of players stood at the edge of the pitch for a few moments before being led into the dressing rooms.
The round-of-16 tie began in good weather, but conditions changed as the contest went past the half-hour mark.
![Rain falls from the top of a stand at the Westfalenstadion](https://www.irishnews.com/resizer/v2/LHLWFAOY5RMU5AXTX37CEKUDTU.jpg?auth=05a45d57bb929cc9fb00f98d1bad973fd339a65fdd98db20c808c5e9e6a5ab6f&width=800&height=531)
Loud thunder bangs, lightning, heavy rain and hailstones arrived as both sets of supporters tried to protect themselves under makeshift covers.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, speaking on ITV, said: “I’m surprised it took it that long to get them off actually because there’s been some pretty nasty incidents with it.”
![Fans feel the full force of the heavy rainfall during the suspension of play](https://www.irishnews.com/resizer/v2/JJ4OAMTOSBMPNAF4BVPNUPCSVI.jpg?auth=6715ae2e9aad02dca8f96b1020c518a14fad38e75b6cf407d320854521057465&width=800&height=525)
The rain eventually relented and the players returned for a five-minute warm-up before the action got underway again.