The squad is now based in Sao Paulo, the venue for this crucial match. Brandt took time out to answer a few questions for DFB TV.
Julian, being in the semis sounds good – What’s your assessment of the Olympics so far?
Brandt: “It’s getting better and better. We got to off to a bumpy start but we picked it up with the game against Fiji (10-0, editor’s note). It must have boosted our confidence.”
It worked out well. The quarter-final brought a 4-0 win against Portugal.
Brandt: “Yes, that game showed everybody what our team can do. It was really good. I hope it gets even better against Nigeria.”
How do you think Wednesdays’ game will go?
Brandt: “Nigeria are strong up front, quick and their play is a bit crazy. I mean that as a positive as they often take risks. I’m looking forward to finding out all about them in the pre-match analysis. But I don’t think we need to be afraid of them.”
You’ve had the highest number of assists in the tournament so far. Are you saving your first goal for the semi-final?
Brandt: (laughs) “It would be great if I could score too but I’m happy with my role so far. I definitely want to beat Nigeria and I don’t care how we go through whether it’s a goal from me, my assist or even an own goal from the opposition if it has to be.
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 4-0 win at Wehen Wiesbaden in the first round of the DFB-Pokal 2026/27...
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Bayer 04 have comfortably reached the DFB Pokal second round thanks to a 4–0 victory away to Liga 3 side SV Wehen Wiesbaden. Patrik Schick put the Werkself ahead in the first 45 in the first competitive match under head coach Carles Martínez with debuts for new signings Miguel Gutiérrez, Afonso Moreira and Facundo Medina. After the break, Lucas Vázquez (47'), Nathan Tella (69') and Christian Kofane (79') also found the back of the net.
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Today brings the first match of the season for the Werkself. Bayer 04 kick off the 2026/27 campaign today, Saturday 22 August, at 13:00 CEST with a first-round DFB Pokal tie away to third-tier side SV Wehen Wiesbaden. The 3,700 travelling fans can not only look forward to what will hopefully be a successful start to the season, but also now organise their journeys to Black and Reds games even more easily via the WERKSELFgo car-share platform. Meanwhile, following two defeats at the start of the league season, SV Wehen are hoping to spring a surprise in the DFB Pokal tie. Today’s matchday news.
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Carolin Simon is the new captain of the Bayer 04 women’s team. The full-back, who joined from Bayern Munich in the summer, will take over the captain’s armband for the 2026/27 season. Simon returned to Leverkusen in the summer after ten years away. The 33-year-old succeeds goalkeeper Friederike Repohl, who retired at the end of last season.
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