DORTMUND-., Germany went from frustration to joy in a single minute, after a couple of relevant VAR decisions placed the host nation in the Eurocup in the quarter-finals, with a 2-0 victory over Denmarkin a Saturday meeting affected by a storm.
Danish defender Joachim Andersen had a goal disallowed for a millimeter offside in the 50th minute, before conceding a penalty with a handball in the next attack by the hosts.
Kai Havertz converted from 11 minutes and Jamal Musiala added a second goal in the 68th in a match that was interrupted about 25 minutes into the first half, due to a storm at the Westfalensadion in Dortmund.
It was Germany’s first victory in a direct elimination match in a major tournament since 2016.
After a brief warm-up, the teams resumed the game that had been interrupted by referee Michael Oliver’s orders. There were no puddles visible when they returned to the pitch, although patches of turf began to loosen and players were slipping.
The score was tied at 0-0 after 35 minutes when the referee asked the players to leave amid the storm and lightning that could be heard near the stadium. There was a thunderous sound in the stadium before the players were asked to leave.
Hail began to fall after the match was interrupted, in contrast to the sunny day before.
Fans in the first rows of the famous south stand had to move because water fell from the ceiling like a waterfall and soaked the seats. Some German fans began to sing: “How beautiful this is!”
The winner of the match will advance to the quarterfinals on July 5 against Spain or Georgia.
Source: AP
