Denmark players haunted by lightning story in Euro game against Germany

The Euro 2024 round of 16 match between Germany and Denmark on June 30 was interrupted in the first half due to heavy rain and lightning. Denmark players did not want to keep playing when lightning continuously flashed across the sky at Borussia Dortmund Stadium. The referee then stopped the match so the two teams could return to the locker room.

Football reporter Klaus Egeland explained that the Denmark players were haunted by the story of a player named Jonathan Richter who was struck by lightning in 2009. Richter was playing for FC Nordsjaelland then and was coached by Kasper Hjulmand, the current manager of Denmark national football team. A week after being struck by lightning, Richter had to have the lower part of his left leg amputated and retire from playing football.

Back to the game, after more than 20 minutes, when the rain stopped and there was no more thunder, players from both teams returned to the pitch. In the 53rd minute, Germany were awarded a penalty when Joachim Andersen touched the ball with his arm in the penalty area after a pass from David Raum. On the penalty spot, Kai Havertz did not miss the opportunity to score the opening goal of the match. In the 68th minute, the home team sealed the 2-0 victory with Musiala's goal.

After beating Denmark, Germany will face Spain in the highly anticipated quarterfinal clash on Friday night.