Argentina got started straight away in the opening game of the Copa América in the USA. The Albiceleste got up and running with a 2-0 win over Canada in Atlanta, Georgia. Julian Álvarez broke the deadlock in the 49th minute, before Lautaro Martínez made it 2-0 in the 88th minute after an assist from Lionel Messi. Exequiel Palacios didn't feature in the encounter.
With three points in the bag, Argentina assume top spot in Group A after Matchday 1. Behind them on one point are Chile, Argentina's second opponents, and Peru, their opponents in the third and final group fixture. Chile and Peru drew 0-0 in their opening clash, leaving Canada bottom of the group.
Meanwhile, Piero Hincapie started in Ecuador's first match against Venezuela, but his side had to play with 10 men from the 22nd minute onwards following a red card for striker Enner Valencia. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ecuador took the lead in the 40th minute, but Venezuela turned the contest around with two goals in the 64th and 74th minute. Hincapie played the full game.
Die Venezolaner stehen nach dem 1. Spieltag auf Platz eins. Mexiko, Ecuadors Gegner im dritten Gruppenspiel, rangiert aufgrund eines 1:0-Auftaktsiegs gegen Jamaika auf dem zweiten Platz. Nach den drittplatzierten Ecuadorianern folgen die Jamaikaner, auf die Hincapie und Co. als nächstes treffen.
THE WERKSELF PLAYERS' MATCHES AT A GLANCE
Exequiel Palacios (Argentina/Group A)
Friday, 21.06., 02:00 CEST: Argentina 2-0 Canada (DAZN)
Wednesday, 26.06., 03:00 CEST: Chile vs Argentina (DAZN)
Sunday, 30.06., 02:00 CEST: Argentina vs Peru (DAZN)
Piero Hincapie (Ecuador/Group B)
Sunday, 23.06., 00:00 CEST: Ecuador 1-2 Venezuela (DAZN)
Thursday, 27.06., 00:00 CEST: Ecuador vs Jamaica (DAZN)
Monday, 01.07., 02:00 CEST: Mexico vs Ecuador (DAZN)
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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