A severe thunderstorm forced organisers of the International Blind Sports Federation European Football Championships to suspend the opening match of the tournament in Berlin ©Facebook

A severe thunderstorm forced organisers of the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) European Football Championships to suspend the opening match of the tournament in Berlin today.

Hosts Germany had raced into a 2-0 lead before the thunderstorm interrupted the Group A encounter at the the Lilli-Henoch-Sportplatz.

The IBSA and tournament organisers then agreed the match would be postponed and will resume at 11am local time tomorrow morning.

Taime Kuttig gave Germany the lead early on before Alexander Fangmann doubled their advantage.

The thunderstorm then arrived in the German capital, meaning the two sides will have to return in the morning to complete the opening fixture of the tournament.

The Opening Ceremony was held prior to kick-off.

The Opening Ceremony took place before the first match kicked off ©IBSA
The Opening Ceremony took place before the first match kicked off ©IBSA

Romania, England and France are the other teams which make up Group A.

Following the conclusion of Germany's encounter with Italy, Romania take on England and Georgia play Spain in Group B.

The second day of action is due to conclude with the Group B match between defending champions Turkey and Belgium.

The top two countries in each group will reach the last four before the final on August 26.

Every match will be broadcast live on the internet via YouTube.

A purpose-built arena has been constructed in Berlin for the tournament, which is being organised by the German Sports Federation for Persons with Disabilities and the Berlin Disability Sports Association.