Brandt starts in 2-1 win against Czech Republic

Brandt earned his eleventh full international cap in Prague. The Werkself number ten was replaced by Antonio Rüdiger (Chelsea) on 61 minutes in a tactical switch. Joachim Löw’s team secured their lead at the top of Group C against the neighbours in third place with goals from Timo Werner (RB Leipzig) and Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich). The two Bayer 04 pros Bernd Leno and Benjamin Henrichs, who were also in the squad, did not play. They may feature against Norway in Stuttgart on Monday (20.45 CET). Earlier in the evening, Jonathan Tah and the Germany U21s lost 2-1 to Hungary in a friendly. The captain of Germany's junior side played the first 45 minutes in central defence.

New signing Retsos celebrates debut

Six other Bayer 04 players appeared in qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Bayer 04 new signing Panagiotis Retsos had two reasons to celebrate on Thursday: First came the official announcement of the 19-year-old signing for the Werkself and then, in the evening, the central defender made his international deputy for Greece (Group H) in a 0-0 draw against Estonia and he played the full 90 minutes.

The friendly between the Germany U19 side and Switzerland also ended goalless. Kai Havertz, Sam Schreck and Atakan Akkaynak were in the Germany team.

Admir Mehmedi and Switzerland clocked up a 3-0 victory over Andorra to maintain their position at the top of Group E.

ARÁNGUIZ Loses with Chile

Charles Aránguiz was out of luck in South America. The Werkself's Chilean international played in a surprising 3-0 defeat against Paraguay. The 28-year-old went the full distance and he also picked up a yellow card.

Julian Baumgartlinger is set to play for Austria in Group D on Saturday against Wales who are equal on points. Vladlen Yurchenko and the Ukraine face Turkey, level on points in fourth place in Group I.