“I don’t think we’ve had such a good atmosphere in Germany for a long time,” beamed a young man before the match. “Everyone is celebrating together. You see German flags everywhere. “It’s just beautiful,” said a young woman enthusiastically at the ZDF microphone. A total of 20,000 supporters joined the three-kilometre-long fan march to the stadium, transforming Dortmund’s city centre into a black-red-gold party mile.
Once again it became clear: the European Championships have been a great success so far. Game after game the euphoria grows, the mood becomes more exuberant every time. The new summer fairy tale that has been talked about and written about is actually taking shape.
Germany beats Denmark 2-0
The German national team has emerged from the tearful valley of previous tournaments and won over the fans with first-class performances. That was also the case on Saturday evening in the eighth finals against Denmark.
🌧️⚡️In Dortmund the world ends and the stadium sings: “Oh, how beautiful is that…” #GERDEN 👏🇩🇪🎶 pic.twitter.com/ziMQ8W9DqZ
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 29, 2024
The DFB team defeated the Scandinavians 2-0 in a turbulent match. Kai Havertz with a penalty and Jamal Musiala, who is preparing to become the star of the tournament as the best goalscorer so far, provided the deserved success. The match against the Danes was turbulent for two reasons. First the match had to be stopped after 35 minutes. The English referee Michael Oliver sent the teams to the dressing room because a thunderstorm was brewing directly above the arena.
Storms and video evidence create excitement
For 25 minutes it flashed, thundered and rained heavily. The public viewing had to be ended on the Friedensplatz in Dortmund and in the Westfalenpark, where almost 40,000 fans had gathered. But the storm could not dampen the good mood. “Oh, how beautiful that is,” the fans in the stadium chanted. Two Danish supporters danced shirtless as the water poured down on them in torrents from the roof of the stadium.
The Danes are used to rain 😄🇩🇰 Excellent! #GERDEN #EURO2024 @SkySportDE pic.twitter.com/Tk6aDPfcsJ
— Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) June 29, 2024
The video evidence also caused a stir. Shortly after halftime, the Danes took a 1-0 lead, which was disallowed due to a slight offside position. Just a few minutes later, the video referee at the other end intervened – again in Germany’s favor. The Danish defender Andersen – of all people, because he had also recently been the scorer for the supposed 1-0 – had received the ball after a cross. He did hit the ball unintentionally, but because he held his arm too far from his body, a penalty had to be given in the 53rd minute, which Havertz converted safely.
Man on the roof of the stadium – background unclear
“Berlin, Berlin, we’re going to Berlin!” the fans chanted fifteen minutes later after Musiala made it 2-0. The final will take place on July 14 in the capital. There are still two games left, and then the DFB players will probably actually be on the field in the Olympic Stadium. Before that, the focus is on the quarter-finals next Friday, where Nagelsmann’s team will face either the Georgians or the Spaniards.
The Germans will certainly be excited, Nico Schlotterbeck was sure after the final whistle. “We have stirred something in the country,” the Borussia Dortmund professional said proudly. He hit the nail on the head.
Even news of a man climbing onto the stadium roof during the match failed to dampen the jubilant mood. Police arrested the man and said: “Police approached to talk to the person and ensure a safe escape from the roof. A police helicopter illuminated the roof of the stadium. No information can be given about the motive or identity of the man at this time. There was no danger to other people at any time.