Perfect support for the Germany U21s arrived a few minutes before kick-off in the Euro qualifier against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Fürth: Underdogs Moldova secured a surprise win against Belgium who had been top of Group 9 up to that point. And the team under coach Stefan Kuntz knew how to make the most of the situation shortly after that. Lukas Nmecha (RSC Anderlecht) scored the opening goal on the half-hour mark.
While Lennart Grill went the full distance between the sticks and again kept a clean sheet after the 5-0 win against Moldova four days ago, Florian Wirtz went off injured after 26 minutes. “He had problems with his stomach muscles in a different place. We agreed to always be open with each other and that’s why we took him off early as a precaution,” said Germany coach Kuntz about the youngest Germany U21 international of all time.
Germany end the qualifiers on 17 November against Wales with everything in their own hands. A draw could be enough to qualify for the European Championships as the group winners are joined in the finals in Slovenia and Hungary by the five best second-placed teams.
The senior Germany team entertained Switzerland in the Nations League on Tuesday night. The team under coach Joachim Löw were already two goals down after 26 minutes but Timo Werner pulled one back just before the break to make it 2-1 at half-time. Former Werkself player Kai Havertz levelled shortly after the restart and Serge Gnabry scored on the hour mark to equalise at 3-3. The Leverkusen player Jonathan Tah did not come on against Switzerland.
Germany have three games in the international break in November. Against the Czech Republic and Ukraine in Leipzig before the clash with Spain in the Nations League.
Vital points have been at stake in South America in the race to qualify for the World Cup. After beating Ecuador, Argentina were away to Bolivia on Tuesday night. Bayer 04 player Exequiel Palacios, like the captain Lionel Messi, played the full 90 minutes as La Albiceleste registered their next victory: ‘Pala’ and Co. won 2-1 in La Paz. Lucas Alario did not play.
Like Palacios, the Werkself captain Charles Aránguiz was also on the pitch for 90 minutes at the end of this international break. After the opening defeat in Uruguay, Chile picked up a first point with a 2-2 draw against Colombia.
Like Grill and Wirtz, Moussa Diaby was in action for France looking to qualify for the Euro finals next year – and that was secured with a 1-0 home win against Slovakia. Diaby, who recovered from a minor foot injury from the Stuttgart game (3 October), was substituted on 76 minutes.
Werkself central defender Edmond Tapsoba has been playing in Africa: The 21-year-old went the full distance in a 2-1 win for Burkina Faso in a friendly against Madagascar on Monday night.
Aleksandar Dragovic and Julian Baumgartlinger (Austria):
Wednesday, 14 October (20.45 CEST/live on DAZN): Romania v Austria (UEFA Nations League)
Lukas Hradecky (Finland):
Wednesday, 14 October (18.00 CEST/live on DAZN): Finland v Ireland (UEFA Nations League)
Tin Jedvaj (Croatia):
Wednesday, 14 October (20.45 CEST/live on DAZN): Croatia v France (UEFA Nations League)
The Werkself host Paderborn in the DFB-Pokal round of 16 today, Wednesday 6 December (18:00 CET) at the BayArena. Here’s all the latest information ahead of the cup clash with the Bundesliga 2 club.
Show moreNext year marks Bayer 04’s 120th birthday. To celebrate the occasion, we would like to take the opportunity, today and in the next few months, to regularly look at football under the Cross on bayer04.de and primarily delve into the question of: How have we become the club we are today? Part two of our series looks at our fans. Werkself supporters are enjoying this season like never before, providing incredible support both home and away.
Show moreThe Bundesliga has named the three nominees for November’s Rookie of the Month award. Werkself striker Victor Boniface, who has won the trophy in August, September and October, is once again up for the award. Fans have the chance to pick the winner by casting their votes online.
Show moreFollowing the weekend’s draw against Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, the Werkself are again at home on Wednesday for the visit of Paderborn to the BayArena in the DFB-Pokal last 16 (kick-off: 18:00 CET). Ahead of the game, head coach Xavi Alonso made it abundantly clear that his team will in no way underestimate their Bundesliga 2 opponents.
Show more