In the 35th minute of the match between Germany and Denmark in the Euro 2024 round of 16, when the two teams were playing an exciting game, referee Michael Oliver suddenly stopped the match and asked the players to leave the field immediately.

Loud thunder and lightning were heard at the Signal Iduna Park stadium in Dortmund, where the match was taking place. Then a torrential rain fell. Players from both teams complained of hail.

Realising the situation was unsafe, referee Michael Oliver asked the players to go into the dressing room until the rain stopped. Singal Iduna Park issued a statement: "Due to adverse weather conditions, the match has been suspended. We will provide the latest information to the audience."

Despite the weather conditions, many fans were spotted shirtless in the rain. Meanwhile, stadium staff were constantly wiping away rain on the sidelines.

Fortunately, the weather eased and the two teams returned to the pitch after about 25 minutes. According to UEFA regulations, they had to warm up for an additional 5 minutes before kick-off.

Before the match, Dortmund meteorologist Dominik Jung warned: "From Saturday evening and into Sunday night, thunderstorms are at risk in the south-west and west to central Germany. Very heavy rains, with rainfall of 40 to 80 litres per square metre in just a few hours.

Large hailstones measuring about 3cm in diameter are also possible, as well as strong storms or wind gusts with speeds of 100 to 140 km/h. Tornadoes are also possible."

After returning to action, Germany won 2-0 against Denmark to book a ticket to the quarter-finals. Their opponent in the next round will be the winner of the Spain-Georgia match.