While Bender and Brandt lost out on penalties to Brazil in Rio, the other three Bayer 04 players were winners at the other tournaments: Charles Aránguiz and Chile won South America's premier international football trophy for the second time in succession. The Chileans, with the impressive Aránguiz in midfield, beat Argentina on penalties.
Krahn wins treble
Annike Krahn ended her successful career with Germany by winning a treble. After winning the World Cup and the European Championships the Bayer 04 women's player won the gold medal in the Olympic Final against Sweden. Following the 2-1 win against the Scandinavians the 31-year-old defender ended an outstanding run of 137 internationals for Germany and will now concentrate on playing for Bayer 04.
Doege saves two penalties in Euro final
Leonie Doege was the hero of the women's U17 European Championships final. The Bayer 04 goalkeeper helped take Germany to the final in May with some outstanding performances. Leonie again demonstrated her outstanding ability in a penalty shoot-out in the final after a goalless 80 minutes against Spain – she saved two penalties to help secure Germany's Euro triumph.
U17 team on parade
And the Bayer 04 U 17 team, winners of the German league title in Dortmund in May, were also on the pitch before the Hamburg game where they received a great reception from the Bayer 04 fans for their consistently successful performances last term.
