Screens across the world went blank as the clash between Germany and Turkey went to the wire.

Germany won 3-2 in Basel, Switzerland. But a violent electrical storm hit a TV control centre in Vienna - capital of co-host Austria - causing a huge loss of power.

BBC viewers missed the moment Miroslav Klose put Germany 2-1 up as pictures were lost in the second of two five-minute spells.

Frantic bosses switched to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary to keep fans updated.

TV host Gary Lineker apologised at full time. He said: "The whole world lost pictures. It's bad enough at home but imagine those fans in Germany and Turkey."

The BBC, like other TV channels worldwide, share a live feed supplied by the Euro 2008 organisers.

A spokesman said: "This was not a BBC fault. It was due to the loss of the host feed. We believe it was a power failure due to extreme weather conditions in Austria."

In Germany TVs went blank several times, though they did not miss a goal. In Turkey, there were also blackouts and Austrians missed three goals.

Two fans were also seriously injured as the massive thunderstorm forced the evacuation of the Euro 2008 fan zone in Vienna during semi-final. The APA news agency reported that the fans were injured in a stampede-like flight of around 30,000 people as gale-force winds and lightning hit the Austrian capital midway through the second half of the game, which was played in Basle, Switzerland.

The extreme weather led to the evacuation of the international Euro 2008 media centre in Vienna.

UEFA may also face compensation claims from broadcasters following the loss of pictures.