Five Leverkusen players in the semi-finals
After Mexico and Portugal, Germany and Chile are now through to the last four of the Confederations Cup in Russia. There are Werkself players in three of the national sides involved in the semis.
Germany beat Cameroon 3-1 on Sunday in the Olympic city of Sochi to secure first place in Group B ahead of Chile. Germany struggled against the African champions in a goalless first half. However, the quality of the World Champions was evident after the restart. Leverkusen stars Benjamin Henrichs and Julian Brandt came on late in the game and were able to influence proceedings.Henrichs, earneing his second full cap, made his first major contribution on 77 minutes.Henrichs put in a cross and Kerem Demirbay almost converted. A few seconds later, the other Leverkusen player Julian Brandt had his chance to impress. Brandt replaced the Hoffenheim striker and he had a great opportunity to make it 3-1 on 81 minutes.That goal did come just after that. Brandt put through his club team-mate and Henrichs provided the assist for the third goal scored by Leipzig striker Timo Werner.
Chile secured second spot in the group with a 1-1 draw with Australia. The Australians, including former Leverkusen forward Robbie Kruse, led at half-time. The Chileans, again with Charles Aránguiz in the starting eleven, exerted more pressure than their opponents. Chile take on European Champions Portugal on Wednesday in Kazan. Germany remain in Sochi where they will play Mexico on Thursday.
Mexico beat hosts Russia 2-1 on Saturday to finish second behind European Champions Portugal and thereby progress to the semi-finals. As in the first group game against Portugal, Chicharito was in the starting eleven against Russia in Kazan. The record scorer was the lynch pin of his team for the full 90 minutes and he could have made it 3-1 with a header.
And finally, to round off the international appearances made by Werkself pros: The Germany U21s were in action in the U21 European Championships in the Poland. Although they lost 1-0 to Italy in the final group match, the result was good enough to take Germany through to the semi-finals. Dominik Kohr, who returns to the Werkself for the start of next season, is in the squad. Germany play England in the semi-final on Tuesday. Spain and Italy face each other in the other semi-final.
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