Germany, VAR down Danes in stormy Euros last-16 clash

A second-half Kai Havertz penalty and a Jamal Musiala goal have taken hosts Germany past Denmark in a storm-and-VAR-dominated Euro 2024 last-16 clash.

The 2-0 triumph was a first knockout win in eight years for Germany, who will next face the winners of Sunday's game between three-time champions Spain and tournament surprise package Georgia.

The game was suspended for 30 minutes in the first half as a huge thunderstorm raged over Dortmund, after Germany had the lion's share of the early chances.

Defender Joachim Andersen thought he had given Denmark the lead early in the second half, only for VAR to spot a tight offside.

Soon afterwards, on 53 minutes, the same player was adjudged to have handled in the box after a review and Havertz found the corner of the net beyond Kasper Schmeichel's despairing dive.

Nico Schlotterbeck's superb long pass released Bayern Munich youngster Musiala on 68 minutes and the mercurial playmaker made no mistake for his third goal of the tournament.

The last time Germany's men played a major tournament game in Dortmund they lost the 2006 World Cup semi-final to Italy.

They have won a World Cup since, but flopped at the next two editions and lost to England at this stage of the Euros three years ago.