The match between Germany and Denmark was suspended due to a tragic event from 15 years ago

Yesterday's 1/8 final match between Germany and Denmark was suspended in the 35th minute. English referee Michael Oliver blew the whistle and called on all players to leave the field because of a raging thunderstorm near the stadium. The match resumed only after 25 minutes, when the weather conditions improved and UEFA officials allowed the match to continue.

Soccer matches often have to be played in the rain, but it was not the reason for the stoppage of play. The referee's whistle sounded after lightning struck near the stadium.

These events reminded the events of fifteen years ago. Back then, Danish Nordsjælland midfielder Jonathan Richter was struck by lightning during a training match against Hvidovre.

Richter suffered cardiac arrest and had to be put into an induced coma for ten days. The sad news for the player didn't end there and six weeks later he had to have part of his left leg amputated, leaving him disabled.

Fueling this whole situation is the fact that the current Danish national team coach Kasper Hjulmand was part of Nordsjælland's coaching staff at the time. This explains why the Danish players asked their mentor to help stop the match.

In addition, yesterday's downpour in Dortmund showed the quality of the cover over the stands. The roof of the stadium, Signal Iduna Park, could not withstand a huge amount of water and threw it on the fans.

Recall that after the resumption of the fight, Germany defeated Denmark 2-0 and made it to the quarterfinals of the home Euro.