#B04goesUSA – Day 6: S(c)hre(c)k is on fire!

The first friendly of 2017 was the centre of attention on day six of the training camp in Orlando. The Werkself played Estudiantes de La Plata in St Petersburg, an 80-minute journey by road from the team hotel. Key men on the day: Chicharito, Sam Schreck and team doctor Dr Karl-Heinrich Dittmar.

Sam Schreck made his mark on the game on 71 minutes: A great cross from Charles Aránguiz found the youngster and Sam netted a deserved equaliser. The good performance by the 17-year-old, plus a surname that sounds like Shrek - the foolhardy, green hero from the DreamWorks stable – inspired supporters at the A1 Lang Stadium. 'Shrek is on fire!', Rang out across the ground in the closing stages of the match.

Off the ball challenges

The Bayer 04 management reacted calmly to the physical approach of the Argentinians. Defender Aleksandar Dragovic spoke after the game: "They really got stuck in. But we knew that before the game. We were well prepared for it. There were no injuries so it was okay." Asked about the sending off for the Estudiantes number 22, general manager Jonas Boldt responded at half-time with the smile: "I've known Rodrigo Brana for a while. He likes off the ball challenges."

Playing president

The most famous player for Estudiantes did not get on. Juan Sebastien Verón spent 90 minutes on the bench. The 41-year-old, who played for a number of Italian clubs plus Manchester United and Chelsea, has been president of his first club for two years and in December 2016 he announced he would play again in 2017. Perhaps the comeback of the former Argentina international was postponed due to his team being a man down in the second half.

Joe Cole on Michael Ballack

Joe Cole did not appear either. The former England international and long-term midfield dynamo for Chelsea joined the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2016. The American second division side lost 2-0 to the VfL Wolfsburg U23s at their own ground. What the 35-year-old thinks about Bayer 04 Leverkusen and his former team-mate Michael Ballack is divulged in an interview on the Bayer 04 Facebook site.

Chicharito stopped twice

It wasn't a happy day for Chicharito. The Mexican, who was followed all day by enthusiastic fans, was busy in the first 45 minutes and involved in a lot of good moves. However, he made the wrong decision at the decisive moment. Four minutes before the break he aimed a penalty at the bottom right corner. The Estudiantes keeper went the right way and saved the spot kick. Bad luck for Chicha who was also stopped on his way to the changing rooms. A particularly cheeky reporter bypassed security in an attempt to conduct an illicit interview with the Mexican superstar. Chicharito was brought to a halt as he got caught up in a microphone cable. The 28-year-old saw the funny side and disappeared into the dressing room with a smile on his face.

Most promising player

In addition to Chicharito, Julian Brandt was well received by the American TV reporters who broadcast the game live. The 20-year-old was described as the "most promising young player of the Bundesliga" and is reported to have said he wants to continue with Bayer 04 in the future. At the same time, half of Europe seems to be after the youngster including FC Bayern – "the biggest and one of the most successful clubs in the world." Nearly every move involving Brandt drew comments from the two journalists.

Where was Bellarabi?

In addition to the recovering players Kevin Volland and Lars Bender, Karim Bellarabi also stayed behind in the hotel in Orlando. "After such a long-term injury we didn't want to take any risks," said head coach Roger Schmidt after the game but he did indicate he might play in the second game for Bayer 04 in the Florida Cup. The Werkself play Brazilian first division club Atletico Mineiro on Wednesday 12 January. The match at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex kicks off at 19.00 local time.

Birthday at steak house

The tradition at training camps is to give birthday boys a cake. Of course, that also applies to the team doctor. Karl-Heinrich Dittmar received his sweet treat after the match in St Petersburg. At the meal in a steak house he was presented with a dessert complete with candles and the Black and Red group provided a rendition of Happy Birthday. The 54-year-old gave a short thank you speech and wished everybody lots of success in the new year.

You can keep up-to-date with events in Florida round-the-clock via our hashtag #B04goesUSA. Just log on toTwitter,Facebook,Instagram and Snapchat (@bayer04snaps). Information on the Werkself training camp is available here in German, English and Spanish: >> http://www.bayer04.de/goesUSA <<