Back
1.09.2016Bayer 04

Bayer 04 quintet in 2-0 win against Finland

It wasn’t just a special match for Bastian Schweinsteiger. In his final outing for Germany all five Bayer 04 players selected played in the friendly against Finland. Karim Bellarabi, Kevin Volland and Julian Brandt started in the 2-0 win with Bernd Leno and Jonathan Tah coming on in the second half.
© Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GmbH

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.

© Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GmbH

Related News

crop_20241018_VK_Training_Frauen_7976.jpg
Women - 21.06.2025

Women: Bayer 04 extend contract with assistant coach Remzi Kahraman

The Bayer 04 Women's team coaches remain in place: The Werkself have extended the contract with assistant coach Remzi Kahraman by two years to 2027. The 30-year-old will continue to assist head coach Roberto Pätzold along with fellow assistant coach Friederike Mehring.

Show more
Abschiedsbrief an Florian Wirtz
Werkself-TV - 20.06.2025

Farewell letter to Florian ‘football god’ Wirtz 🖤❤️

It is particularly difficult to find the right words for some farewells: Bayer 04 say “Thank you, Flo” for five and a half magical years in Black and Red. For an incredible journey together. Florian Wirtz has signed for Liverpool. But he will always be part of the Bayer 04 family. A farewell letter to Florian ‘football god’ Wirtz…

Show more
Best of Florian Wirtz | Highlights | Tore & Assists | Dribblings
Werkself-TV - 20.06.2025

Goals, assists, dribbles | Best of Florian Wirtz

Florian Wirtz has completed the move to Premier League champions Liverpool. In his five and a half years in a Bayer 04 jersey he has given us incredible and unforgettable memories. Here are some of his best moments from his time at Leverkusen. Thank you for everything, Flo!

Show more
Florian Wirtz
Bayer 04 - 20.06.2025

Florian Wirtz completes move to Liverpool

Germany international Florian Wirtz is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen after five and a half years to play for Liverpool. Wirtz, at the Werkself since January 2020 and a champion of Germany, DFB Pokal winner and Supercup winner in 2024, has signed a long-term contract with Liverpool.

Show more