In a match that will be remembered for its dramatic twists and turns, host nation Germany secured a spot in the European Championship quarterfinals with a 2-0 victory over Denmark on Saturday.

The win came amidst a thunderstorm-induced delay and two crucial video review calls, sending the jubilant German fans into raptures.

The game, played in front of a packed Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, was interrupted by a thunderstorm that brought torrential rain and hail, causing a 25-minute halt in play.

Despite the adverse weather, the atmosphere remained electric as the soaked fans continued to cheer for their team.

The turning point of the match came in the second half. Denmark’s Joachim Andersen appeared to have put his team ahead in the 50th minute with a close-range finish.

However, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) spotted an offside in the buildup, disallowing the goal.

Immediately after, Germany launched a counter-attack, leading to a cross by David Raum striking Andersen’s outstretched arm. Another VAR review resulted in a penalty for Germany, which Kai Havertz converted, breaking the deadlock.

Jamal Musiala added a second goal for Germany in the 68th minute, securing the win and his third goal of the tournament, tying him with Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze for the most in the competition so far.

The victory marked Germany’s first win in the knockout stages of a major tournament since 2016, a significant achievement for a team looking to shake off a series of disappointing performances in recent years.

“We played a super game — we had crazy fans again today,” said Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck. “We’re playing with euphoria, we’re playing with fun, and that’s what the most beautiful thing about football is.”

Germany’s coach, Julian Nagelsmann, used the rain delay to his advantage, showing his players key moments from the first half-hour of the game.

“We came through adversity in those seconds where it was, ‘Was it a goal or not a goal?’ and ‘Was it handball or not a handball?’ That makes me proud,” Nagelsmann said. “The team deserves it and hopefully we are getting rid of the old memory stick and understand how good we actually are.”

Denmark’s coach, Kasper Hjulmand, expressed frustration over the VAR decisions, particularly the handball ruling.

“It was one centimeter offside. In terms of statistics and data, it doesn’t make sense. This is not how we are supposed to be using VAR,” he said. “And I am so tired of the ridiculous handball rule. Joachim was running normally. It’s a normal situation.”

Despite the controversy, it is Germany who advances, with the team set to face Spain or Georgia in the quarterfinals.

As the German fans sang “We’re going to Berlin,” the team now looks forward to potentially turning this European Championship into a summer fairy tale, hoping to end their run of underwhelming performances on the grand stage.

“It was a wild game altogether,” Nagelsmann remarked. “We understand how good we actually are. Now, it’s time to prove it.”

With two more wins needed to reach the final in Berlin on July 14, Germany is riding high on confidence and national pride, ready to make the most of their home advantage.

Arsenal is gearing up to make a significant splash in the summer transfer market, with plans to submit a formal €100 million bid for Napoli’s prolific striker Victor Osimhen in the coming days.

This move underscores the Gunners’ determination to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new Premier League season.

The news, reported by Italian journalist Ciro Venerato, highlights Arsenal’s ambition to secure a world-class forward who can enhance their offensive prowess.

“Arsenal will make an attempt with Napoli in the next few days after many rumors,” Venerato stated, confirming the North London club’s interest in the Nigerian international.

Victor Osimhen, who has been a standout performer for Napoli, has a release clause set at €130 million (approximately £110 million).

If Arsenal were to meet this clause, it would make Osimhen the club’s most expensive signing, surpassing the £105 million paid for Declan Rice last year.

However, reports suggest that Arsenal is hoping to negotiate a lower fee, with an initial bid of around €100 million (£85 million) being prepared.

Osimhen has made no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League, and Arsenal’s interest aligns with his aspirations.

Despite missing 11 matches due to injuries and his participation in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Osimhen managed to score 15 goals in 23 Serie A appearances in the recently concluded 2023/24 season.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Osimhen is part of a broader strategy to strengthen their squad after narrowly missing out on a top-four finish last season.

The club’s management is keen to add depth and quality to their roster, ensuring they can compete at the highest level domestically and in European competitions.

In addition to Arsenal, other top clubs have shown interest in Osimhen. Chelsea is reportedly monitoring the situation, while Paris Saint-Germain has also been linked with the striker as a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who recently joined Real Madrid.

The potential acquisition of Osimhen would be a significant coup for Arsenal, signaling their intent to compete with the best in the Premier League.

The Nigerian striker’s blend of pace, power, and finishing ability would add a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack, complementing the talents of players like Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Ødegaard.

As the summer transfer window progresses, Arsenal fans will be eagerly awaiting further developments. The club’s willingness to invest heavily in a player of Osimhen’s caliber demonstrates their commitment to returning to the pinnacle of English football.

If successful, this move could be a game-changer for the Gunners, providing the firepower needed to challenge for major honors in the upcoming season.