The quintet were on the pitch together for 20 minutes. Werkself striker Joel Pohjanpalo started for Finland.
Bastian Schweinsteiger was the focus of attention in his final international appearance for Germany where he once again led the team out as captain to earn cap number 121. “I’m happy to be picked for this game and it’s bound to be very emotional. I’m looking forward to the night and the chance to hear the national anthem on the pitch again,” said Schweinsteiger. The visibly moved captain received a standing ovation from the 30,120 crowd before kick-off.
The match proved to be a tame affair at the start. Germany set out to dominate the game but were unable to create any clear-cut chances. The best opportunity came when the Finland defender Paulus Arajuuri almost turned the ball into his own net but his clearance on 26 minutes came back off the post. Five minutes later Mario Götze hesitated a second too long with his shot after a fine solo run. Just before the break debutant Niklas Süle saw a long-range effort saved by the Finland shot-stopper Lukas Hradecky.
The fourth Werkself pro came on at the start of the second half: Bernd Leno took over in goal from Marc ter Stegen to win his second international cap.
Tah completes quintet
Germany remained on top in the second 45 with the busy Kevin Volland one of the most impressive players on the pitch. The Werkself pro caused constant problems with his forays up front and he was involved in the opener on 54 minutes. Volland dummied a cross from Götze for Max Meyer to convert the chance. Jonathan Tah came on just after that to complete the Bayer 04 quintet.
Another emotional moment followed on 66 minutes: Bastian Schweinsteiger left the pitch to a fantastic reception from the fans. “Basti, Basti” rang out all round the stadium.
It was still one-way traffic in the game. Mesut Özil made it 2-0 on 77 minutes with the hosts clearly in charge. Julian Brandt made for Thomas Müller two minutes later and Leno was called into action in the closing minutes.
World Cup qualifier on Sunday
Germany take on Norway on Sunday in the first qualifier for the 2018 World Cup. The match in Oslo kicks off at 20.45 CET.
Fritz Walter medals for Henrichs, Havertz and Ehegötz
Ahead of the friendly against Finland the German FA (DFB) honoured three Bayer 04 players in Mönchengladbach on Wednesday afternoon: Nina Ehegötz, new signing with Leverkusen women’s team, received a gold Fritz Walter medal as did Werkself pro Benjamin Henrichs.
Under-19 player Kai Havertz received a silver Fritz Walter. “All the talented youngsters have been given awards for their outstanding performances last season and they have taken a great step forward in their careers,” said Hans-Dieter Drewitz, the DFB vice-president responsible for youth development, in Mönchengladbach on Wednesday. And Germany sporting director Hansi Flick was also present at the awards.
In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
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Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.
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Rieden reloaded: Just like last year, the Bayer 04 Women’s team are spending their summer training camp in this idyllic corner of Bavaria. From this Sunday, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team will be based in Rieden in the Upper Palatinate for a week.
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Following the summer break, most of the players are back in Leverkusen. While two Bayer 04 first-team players are still in action at the World Cup, the players present officially kicked off the new season with fitness assessments. At the Werkstatt, the Bayer 04 rehabilitation and training centre, Robert Andrich, Edmond Tapsoba and the rest of the squad worked up quite a sweat in the sweltering summer heat. New signings Afonso Moreira and Kennet Eichhorn also successfully completed the day’s sessions alongside their new team-mates.
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The Werkself return tomorrow, Tuesday 14 July (from 11:00 CEST at the BayArena; live stream on bayer04.de, the Bayer 04 app and YouTube), with new head coach Carles Martínez leading his first training session as part of the Bayer 04 set-up. His coaching team comprises a mix of new and long-standing colleagues.
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