Nations League semifinal between Germany and Portugal delayed because of hail shower

By Canadian Press on June 4, 2025.

MUNICH (AP) — Stormy weather caused a 10-minute delay to the kickoff time for the Nations League semifinal between Germany and Portugal on Wednesday.

Germany goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and reserve keepers Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel had to run for cover from a heavy hail shower as they warmed up, and referee Slavko Vinčić checked the field afterward to make sure Wednesday’s game could go ahead, albeit with the slight delay.

UEFA had earlier warned fans to allow extra travel time and dress appropriately with storms forecast for Munich.

European soccer’s governing body said it was monitoring ”the meteorological situation closely along with the relevant local authorities.”

Germany’s national weather service warned of the risk of storms, high winds and hail late Wednesday in the state of Bavaria, where Munich is the capital.

France plays Spain in the other semifinal in Stuttgart on Thursday.

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The Associated Press