Germany 2-0 Denmark - Euro 2024: Lightning stops play, Joachim Andersen suffers the worst VAR minute EVER... and then the Germans win! All the reaction from mad night

That's all from us on here tonight, but you can recap on all the action from what was a wild night in Dortmund below!

It was an utterly bonkers match in Dortmund tonight. It quite literally had pretty much everything from disallowed goals to weather delays.

Germany would walk away with the win, much to the agony of Denmark who endured a crazy five minutes that saw Joachim Andersen have a goal disallowed, before Michael Oliver awarded a penalty against the Palace defender. Kai Havertz would go on to score from the spot.

So here are some of the best images from a crazy night in Dortmund.

Mail Sport's Aadam Patel brings you his player ratings from Germany vs Denmark on a stormy night in Dortmund.

Alan Shearer has offered a candid view of the decision to award Germany a penalty, calling the hand ball rule 's***'.

Meanwhile, fans have been reacting to the controversial five minutes during the game, with one claiming Denmark were 'robbed'.

Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand has fumed at the VAR decision that saw Joachim Andersen be ruled offside for what would have been Denmark's equaliser.

The Crystal Palace star was just marginally offside in the run up to the goal, with VAR stepping in to rule out what would have been an equaliser. Replays showed that Hjulmand was agonisingly only offside by a whisker, with Hjulmand, according to Danish outlet B.T. showing a picture of the screen grab of the VAR call to journalists in his presser.

According to the outlet, he said:

One centimeter... It's ridiculous! It can't be that VAR has to be used.

I'm tired of those hand rules. I don't understand asking defenders to run with their arms behind their backs. That's what you do. It's a completely natural position Joachim is in, and then it's kicked up at him from one meter away...

It is rare that I talk about rulings, maybe we would have lost the match anyway, but it is frustrated. That's not how I think football should be,' Hjulmand says clearly.

I am an advocate of VAR, but it must be clear and obvious . In my world it becomes moot if you are looking for one centimeter rulings. There must be a way in which it can be done.

They certainly look like they are! After their blip following the World Cup there were concerns over whether Julian Nagelsmann's would be a challenger at this summer's tournament.

But the stats don't lie, they've been dominant so far and are looking a real contender to go all the way in this championship.

Denmark players appeared to beckon to Michael Oliver for the referee to call a halt to the game, after lightning lit up the sky around the Signal Iduna Park.

It wasn't long later that Michael Oliver called a halt to proceedings, but football reporter Klaus Egeland has explained why the Danish team reacted the way it did.

He explained that it relates to Jonathan Richter, who was struck by lightning during a game in 2009.

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As Aadam writes, Germany were deserved winners after they shut out Denmark in the second half.

Perhaps though, Denmark had a harsh penalty decision awarded against them in the second half, which certainly changed the game.

We had a lengthy delay in the first half of the match after lightning storms engulfed the Signal Iduna Arena.

Referee Michael Oliver chose to suspend the clash taking the players down the tunnel to avoid the danger, with rain crashing down from the roof of the Signal Iduna Park.

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From lightning stoppages to contentious VAR decisions, there is plenty to talk about after tonight's match in Dortmund.

Mail Sport's Oliver Holt recaps on what was a wild night at the Signal Iduna Park, where Kai Havertz led Germany to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.

Ange Postecoglou didn't hold back when speaking to ITV Sport about the controversial VAR decision during the match.

That's the issue, Michael Oliver is not making that decision and that's been my issue all along. He saw the action and deemed that it wasn't necessary to be a penalty.

'That's my problem. If I hear one more person saying that VAR is not re-refereeing the game, I will blow up!

'Seriously, because that is what they do. I don't think that is why we bought in technology for that decision. That decision, for me, is quite an easy one. If that wasn't paid we wouldn't be talking about it tomorrow. This is not on Michael Oliver. We're not criticising the referee here, we're criticising the technology. Which is what I criticise consistently.

'I fully back the referee in this instance. If he didn't pay it, or if he did pay it, we'd be saying OK, he saw it that way, but technology is supposed to be definitive.'

It was a defensive masterclass from Rudiger. While Denmark were dangerous, he stood out with some physical challenges and managed to keep Rasmus Hojlund under wraps for most of the game.

Many have been left scratching their heads over the decision to award a penalty against Joachim Andersen during the second half.

The ball appeared to be fired at Andersen from close range, with VAR intervening to utilise their new 'snicko' technology, before awarding a penalty against the Danes.

Explaining the decision live on ITV's coverage, former referee and American broadcaster Christina Unkel said: 'Proximity is no longer a mitigating factor.'

But Ian Wright and Roy Keane were left fuming over the decision.

'For me for them to be looking at that as a handball, that's never going to sit well with me,' Wright said.

'I don't know why they're going to the science of that, lawfully it's going crazy.'

Keane added: 'I feel for defenders now. I just cant see that as a penalty. Does every defender have to put their hands behind their back. I just feel for defenders now. That's not the game we grew up in.'

The Dortmund wall was a wall of sound at full-time, with German fans celebrating their side's win!

Germany will now advance to take on the winner of Spain vs Georgia!

A sensational stat now from Squawka, but quite unsurprising considering Kroos' brilliance.

Squawka say that Kroos has not lost an international football match in the past three years!

He was brilliant tonight and controlled the midfield very well - particularly when Denmark were trying to press late on in the second half.

What a game of football that was! I think we pretty much had everything in that game from weather delays, disallowed goals, a penalty and even a controversial handball!

It's tough luck for Denmark, who grew into the game following the German's early dominance.

It was a manic five minutes in the second half that saw Joachim Andersen have a goal ruled out for offside moments before he had a penalty awarded against him for handball. One can only imagine what he was thinking in that moment, with Kai Havertz stepping up to net the spot-kick after Jamal Musiala put the hosts ahead.

Germany were brilliant throughout and Nagelsmann's side must be considered now as one of the favourites to win.

VAR has ruled the goal out for offside! Things are getting a little frantic here too, with Denmark going up the other end of the pitch and winning a corner.

They can't make good the opportunity with Germany countering again, with Kai Havertz striking a low shot towards the Denmark goal. It's blocked by Schmeichel, who has been excellent tonight!

VAR are checking this one, it was a close one, but we think it was a close one!

Fullkrug plays Wirtz in, with the latter rounding Schmeichel before passing the ball into the net.

It is hard to see a comeback from here, but the Danes are battling hard.

Cristensen plays a long ball up field but Nagelsmann has his side too well drilled and defenders quickly swarm to collect the pass.

They press forwards, with Wirtz getting a shot away at Schmeicel but the Danish shot stopper comfortbaly blocks the shot.

Germany are looking solid in shape and despite Denmark having fresh legs on the pitch Hjulmund's side are struggling to break the German lines.

Perhaps a decisive moment in the game, the five minutes that led to Germany's second goal were quite simply, bedlam. And fans have taken to social media to claim Joachim Andersen had been 'robbed' by VAR.

Right looks like Kasper Hjulmand is making a couple of changes here!

Wind is on for Hojlund, who could have given the Denmark the lead but for the heroics of Neuer.

Bruun Larsen is on for Christensen and ERiksen has made way for Damsgaard.

We've got eight minutes of regular time left to play and Denmark are pressing on the Germans here with Hojbjerg having a dangerous shot blocked!

Perhaps a five minutes that Joachim Andersen may want to forget...

• 47:44 Andersen scores, hammering in a brilliant strike.
• 49:25 Oliver overturns goal for offside after a VAR review.
• 51:42 Germany go up the other end of the field, and a penalty is awarded against Andersen for hand ball.
• 52:56 Havertz scores from the spot, Germany go 1-0 up!

This game has pretty much had about everything!

His third goal of the tournament and Musiala takes it superbly!

Jamal Musiala goes to the top of the Euro 2024 goalscorers charts with an excellent strike past Schmeichel into the bottom right corner of the goal.

It is a precision finish from the 21-year-old and his third of the tournament, with Schmeichel unable to keep the strike out. That will be a huge boost for Germany, with Denmark knocking on the door for an equaliser, but I would not rule the Danes out just yet.

But Denmark are right in this still! For all the attacking prowess Germany have struggled defensively, with Rasmus Hojlund getting a shot away inside the penalty area.

He fires the ball straight towards Neuer who blocks comfortably.

Kai Havertz has been brilliant in this second half and really should have two goals!

Here's how he gave Germany the lead...

Wow that could be a huge moment in the game. The Arsenal star breaks free, with a brilliant piece of skill to beat Andersen before going one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

He opts to dink Schmeichel beating the goalkeeper but it agonisingly drifts wide of the right post!

Fine margins! Andersen was only offside by a fraction!

Kai Haverts nets from the spot! It's not a great penalty from the Arsenal man, who stunts in his run up, before sliding the ball towards the right corner and Schmeichel almost gets a hand to the ball!

Meanwhile, Joachim Andersen looks distraught as hes just been on the worse end of two VAR decisions in the space of five minutes! Agonising!

What is going on! This game has been bedlam! Germany now have a penalty up the other end of the field.

VAR used UEFA's new snicko found that Joachim Andersen had handled the ball in the box!

It's been disallowed! Agonisingly for Denmark!

Poor defending for Germany as Joachim Andersen lashes the ball into the box from just 10 yards out, but VAR denies him the strike for an offside.

We're back underway at the Signal Iduna Park and the weather looks to have calmed down!

Only a light drizzle seems to be falling on the stadium and the waterfalls have gone.

Incase you missed it, here were the scenes that caused play to stop in the first half.

It looked like there was minimal contact inside the Denmark penalty area as Schlotterbeck arrived and headed in an opener for his side.

But referee Michael Oliver subsequently disallowed the goal after his assistant had raised his flag.

Oliver would subsequently rule out the opening goal, with Ally McCoist being left furious.

'That's soft, I'm telling you that's soft, it's a goal!' the pundit said to ITV Sport.

'I'm looking at it. Schlotterbeck is up about four stories. The leap is incredible. The delivery is good but he is up at some height. I'm guessing some infringement has been spotted.'

But some fans have criticised ITV for their shock decision to part ways with the legendary football commentator.

Tyldesley was stood down as ITV's lead England commentator three-years ago and will now leave his position at the company entirely.

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Aadam Patel in Dortmund:

Wow. That is a huge chance. Rasmus Hojlund won't get a better opportunity all evening. Manuel Neuer has not had a save to make until now but my word, that is top class.

What a game! From the lightning to some of the chances this has been a gripping match with both sides coming close.

Schlotterbeck has come close twice for Germany, having a goal bizarrely disallowed early on, before hitting the side netting after the rain delay.

Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund had the biggest chance of the match just before half-time to put Denmark 1-0 up, just being stopped in his tracks by Manuel Neuer after going one-on-one.

But the main event came when play was paused because of a lightning storm around the stadium...

Big chance goes begging for Hojlund!

Fantastic break from Denmark with Eriksen setting Delaney free through the middle of the park. He plays Hojlund one-on-one iwth the goalkeeper, but Neuer comes out to make a sensational save to stop the Untied defender dead in his tracks.

That could have really been a problem for Germany on the stroke of half time.

Not a great finish from Hojlund, but Germany do get off lightly there after Schlotterbeck gifts the Man United star the ball.

He gets a shot off from inside the area but whacks it into the side netting.

A close shave for Germany!

The Germany arrives at the backpost to get his head on the end of a brilliant delivery into the box.

But he heads it into the side netting with a crowd of German fans screaming in elation, thinking the ball had gone into the back of the net!

Toni Kroos' side have come close in the first half but just haven't quite been clinical enough!

Looks like we've got 10 minutes left of the first half left to play. It'll be interesting to see how Denmark come out now after having grown into the match following Germany's early dominance.

Ian Wright, speaking to ITV Sport, said: 'Demark have obviously settled down. It's a massive game, and the German players started very well but i think there has been opportunities when Denmark have gotten into situations where they could do something, for example Hojlund has been sharp but that final ball in that area has not been good enough.'

Looks like the players are back out warming up again - which is a good sign we may have some play shortly!

Lots of activity between officials going on in the tunnell with Michael Oliver just seen speaking with other officials.

Meanwhile, UEFA have issued a statement on the postponement which reads: 'Due to adverse weather conditions in Dortmund, it has been decided to suspend [the match between] Germany and Denmark.

'UEFA will make an announcement on the resumption of the match in due course.'

As the rain continues to fall from the roof of the Signal Iduna Park, the infamous Dortmund waterfalls were back, but the Denmark fans weren't letting the inclement weather spoil the fun!

A wave of Denmark supporters stayed on the terraces dancing and lapping up the atmosphere inside the Signal Iduna Park.

The thunder right now had myself and Ollie Holt jumping out of our seats. I've not seen anything like this. Ollie says it happens in America. But it feels like the right call from Michael Oliver.

The players have left the pitch and have gone down the tunnel following the advice of the officials, with some big lightning storms taking place around Dortmund.

Meanwhile, fans are getting soaked by the thunder storms in Germany!

There's been plenty of strikes around Dortmund in the last 20 minutes too.

I think this may only be temporary as the referee has not taken the players into the dressing room.

Both teams have made their way to the dug out and there's plenty of activity down there with coaches barking instructions at their player, while the officials are explaining the decision to the players as the rain begins to pour.

We're hearing big cracks of thunder here and huge flashes of lightning around the stadium, it looks like we're going to have a delay as Michael Oliver brings the players off the pitch.

Aadam Patel in Dortmund:

Yep, absolutely chucking it down. It's been a lovely day in Dortmund but not anymore. Denmark are starting to grow into the game here too after weathering the storm!

Dangerous free-kick for Denmark!

Bad tackle from Andrich, who sticks his leg out to catch Maehle on the edge of the German penalty area.

This is about 20-yards out and Eriksen is stood over the ball here - and he slams his shot straight into the wall. Perhaps it was a little too close!

On replay, it looked like he miskicked the freekick.

Aadam Patel in Dortmund:

Weather update here: Just had some flashes of thunder and lightning around the stadium. It looks like it is about to chuck it down!

Another chance for Denmark! Maehle receives the ball inside the box, turns and gets a shot away on goal from a tight angle. But his strike goes well wide, with the midfielder leaning backwards in his strike.

Despite Germany's early dominance, the Danes are knocking on the door!

Sensational piece of control by Christian Eriksen. The Man United star pulls off a sublime piece of skill to control a 70-yard pass on the top of his foot effortlessly before attempting to get a shot off at goal.

Frankly he deserves to score from that, his skill was sensational. But thanks to the heroics of Rudiger, the Danish star cannot get a shot on target.

Aadam Patel in Dortmund

This is relentless from the hosts - an electric start. Denmark can't cope.

There is such a confidence about this Germany side. They've raced out of the blocks and already it feels like a matter of time before they take the lead.

Germany are in a real groove here, they're ruteless in attack and are turning the heat up on the Danes.

They've won a free-kick on the edge of the Denmark penalty area after Sane was brought down by the Danish defenders. Toni Kroos steps up to have a crack.

He fires his shot into the wall and it goes back out to the half-way line, but Germany retain possession, and here they come again!

Aadam Patel in Dortmund:

Well, that would have been the dream start. Germany are furious. It's hard to tell where the infringement is but it looks soft. Looks like it's been awarded for a foul by Joshua Kimmich on the Danish player who was looking to mark Nico Schlotterbeck.

Germany are dominating again with Kai Havertz now almost coming close, latching onto a through-ball before challenging Schmeicel in goal with a left-footed strike.

That's four shots on goal in the first ten minutes, the hosts look like they want to play!

Even we were convinced that was a goal! And there didn't seem like there was too much wrong with it, even Ally McCoist called it 'soft' with Schlotterbeck making minimal contact with the Danish defenders.

Anyhow, Germany are back on the attack and they have Denmark pinned back inside their own penalty area! A dominant start from the hosts.

Gundogan appeared to have some stern words with referee Michael Oliver over the decision too.

CORRECTION! 0-0! Germany had the ball in the back of the net and had wheeled away in celebration!

Schlotterbeck arrived on the edge of the six yard box, climbing high before heading in.

But as Ally McCoist says: 'That was soft'!

We are underway at the Signal Iduna Park, with the hosts getting us underway!

It'll also be a big night for ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley, who will commentate on his final game for ITV tonight at the Signal Iduna Park.

The commentator, 69, has worked for the broadcaster for 28 years and ITV's host Mark Pougatch gave Tyldesley a nice handover for his last match, paying tribute to the legendary commentator.

Tyldesley also gave an insight into his final day as a commentator sharing his pre-match routine on his Instagram.

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We're about to get underway here with Germany and Denmark just stepping out onto the field for the anthems! It's a warm night here in Dortmund and the atmosphere is building inside the Signal Iduna Park.

First up its the Denmark anthem!

What a staduim this is.

Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, in Dortmund:

All the pressure is on Germany tonight. There's been a fantastic atmosphere in Dortmund and the hosts expect to win but remember, they haven't won a knockout game since 2016.

We've already seen one surprise result tonight. Will there be another?

As has been seen with England, the Germany players' WAGs are in attendance this evening.

Sara Arfaoui, actress and wife of Ilkay Gundogan - you may recognise her from Amazon's Married to the Game - is in the stands.

Lisa Muller, wife of Thomas, has been spotted too.

There has been a lot of attention on Rasmus Hojlund at this tournament.

He is yet to score. He has been hooked early. But is it his fault?

All eyes have been on the Dane since his £72million move to Manchester United last summer, because - I think it's fair to say - he has not yet justified that price tag.

Maybe today could be his moment. In the meantime, here are the words of Ian Wright, speaking on ITV:

I feel that, watching him a few times, when I have seen him at United and in this tournament, he is not being passed the ball.

What happens with a striker in that situaton is you get more anxious, because the chances you get, you have to take.

Germany were sharing some fan clips on their socials earlier on, with supporters literally everywhere.

Apparently there is a fan club, and they don't go about their business quietly...

Please enjoy this clip from a couple of hours ago, and you'll see exactly what I mean.

The scene is set inside the Westfalenstadion with around half an hour to go until the first ball is kicked.

The players have already been in there to go out and get warm. It is actually absolutely baking - 25 degrees, according to my trusty Apple weather app.

It still feels mental that we have to bring this up, but today could be the last game of Toni Kroos' illustrious career.

The midfielder, at 34, will be retiring at the end of the tournament. Club and country. That's it.

Carlo Ancelotti has said the door is open for him to return to Real Madrid next season if he changes his mind and he has probably been in the team of the tournament so far this month.

There may be more to it than just football. But it would be a shame.

If he performs how he has been these last few months, tonight certainly won't be the end.

Roy Keane, ITV Sport:

They are struggling but they are an experienced, settled side. You have to fancy Germany, but it won't be easy.

Ian Wright, ITV Sport:

I think Germany have to watch out for set pieces. I don't Denmark they create enough for their forwards.

After 15 years of Joachim Low's leadership, Germany were stumped at where to turn next, and ended up appointing Hansi Flick, one of Low's former assistants and ex-Bayern Munich mastermind.

Except it didn't go to plan. Two years in charge saw an early exit at the World Cup in 2022 before he departed his role, and they have now turned to Julian Nagelsmann.

The 36-year-old is widely-regarded as one of the best tacticians at the tournament. Flanked by some world class stars an exciting talents, he has got his side ticking, and they are well in the race to win this tournament.

Read a bit more about him - from his partner to his personal life to his football - below.

Now we have the teams, we need some players.

They have been taking in the surroundings in Dortmund, with kick off now around an hour away.

The warm-ups will be underway soon. Fans are already making themselves heard!

Hjulmand is the big miss for Denmark, with the midfielder, who struck against England, suspended.

They keep faith with Hojlund, but Wind is benched in the only non-enforced change.

Other Premier League stars Eriksen, Andersen and Vestergaard start.

The reports were wrong! I'm so glad I spent my time on that post.

Kai Havertz does indeed start, with Niclas Fullkrug again on the bench.

The are three changes in total from the draw with Switzerland, with the suspended Tah replaced by Schlotterbeck, Raum introduced for Mittelstadt at left back and Sane replacing Wirtz.

It feels weird writing that they're taking over Dortmund when it's literally in Germany, but there are home fans everywhere.

Enjoy these snaps while we await team news. A big day for those in attendance.

While we're on England, we may as well stay with them and discuss their chances - everyone's favourite activity right now.

Gareth Southgate's men remain favourites to lift the trophy on July 14, and Germany man Ilkay Gundogan has had his say on their chances.

Never underestimate England. They finished top of the group and got the results.

In these tournaments, that's a massive thing. Getting the results gives you confidence and motivation to play better. It's just about getting into the next round all the time.

Read more below.

Our chief sports writer Oliver Holt has been assessing the Currywurst at every ground he visits out in Germany, and he has just had his eighth.

He is of course at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund, and has shared his views on his X account.

Just spectacular - the stadium and the currywurst.

High praise. And it's in at No 1!

Germany have, to be honest, scored goals for fun so far at the Euros.

Against Scotland it was one, against Hungary it was two, and Switzerland one. More will surely come tonight.

But they could come from a man who is yet to start at the tournament. Reports suggest Niclas Fullkrug is set to come into the side at the expense of Kai Havertz.

We'll see soon when the teams are out, but it would be a big call.

On of Germany's star men is Jamal Musiala. He was formerly one of England's star men.

That was at youth level. Under-15, Under-16, Under-17 and Under-21. But he is now one that got away.

According to a report yesterday, Musiala was set to choose England, but for a late input from a Germany coach. His mind was then changed, and he instead played for his country of birth.

What could have been. Read more on that below before you feast your eyes on his class tonight.

Germany topped Group A in qualifying, ending up drawing the second-place team in England's group, which was Group C.

England, of course, topped their group. But it was only with five points, two ahead of Denmark's three. It was all ifs and buts, but, had Denmark beaten Serbia on the final day of the group stage, it would have been England playing their old enemy tonight.

We beat them at Euro 2020 of course, but that was a first win in knockout competition in 55 years (!).

No need to worry about that, anyway. For now, at least.

So as I said, this is the second game of the knockouts. The first one is still underway - you can follow along by clicking here - with Switzerland currently 2-0 up against Italy.

You probably know by now that one side of the draw is a little bit easier than the other. Germany are on the hard side, alongside the likes of Spain, Italy and France, but have the talent to go through.

Should they win tonight, it will be Spain or Georgia in the quarters, which is a bit of a shame, really.

Hello one and all and welcome to Mail Sport's live coverage of Germany against Denmark at Euro 2024.

The knockout stages are underway and this will be the second game of those, with the holder in action with a bit of expectation on their shoulders.

They were impressive in the group stage - perhaps bar their draw with Switzerland with a few second-string players - and are now among the favourites.

Denmark, as we know from England's group, probably aren't as good as they were a few years ago, but still have the quality to upset.

It promises to be a good one, so stay tuned for coverage from Dortmund throughout the evening!