
Following the 3-0 victory in the opening match in Norway Germany continued to shine on matchday two in Group C with a convincing 3-0 win in the World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic in Hamburg. Thomas Müller, who scored twice against the Scandinavians, was on target again with another brace and Toni Kroos netted the other goal for Joachim Löw’s team. Julian Brandt replaced Julian Draxler on 80 minutes to win his fourth full international cap for Germany. Bernd Leno and Kevin Volland did not feature in Hamburg.
Admir Mehmedi and Switzerland are on course in Group B. The 2-0 win against reigning European champions Portugal in the first match was followed by a 3-2 victory over Hungary to put the Swiss top of the table on maximum points ahead of the Faroe Islands (4) and Portugal (3). The Werkself pro, on from the start, was replaced late on by the Valentin Stocker with the Hertha Berlin midfielder scoring the winner on 88 minutes. Adam Szalai (Hoffenheim) twice levelled for Hungary to cancel out goals from Haris Seferovic (Eintracht Frankfurt) and Rodrigo Rodriguez (Wolfsburg).
The Germany U21 team secured a 4-3 win against Russia in Ingolstadt to qualify for next year’s European Championships. Germany, now coached by Stefan Kuntz in place of Horst Hrubesch, earned a ninth win in their ninth qualifier. Jonathan Tah played the full 90 minutes in central defence and he had a good game. Benjamin Henrichs did not play.
Henrichs back with the Werkself
Ahead of Tuesday’s final group match against Austria in St. Pölten Henrichs returns to Leverkusen as the youngster has seen a lot of action for the Werkself in recent weeks. Stefan Kuntz agreed the move in discussion with Bayer 04 head coach Roger Schmidt.


Exciting experiences and exclusive insights into the Werkself and the BayArena awaited the young footballers from the BA04 Football Academy Guangzhou in China during their visit to the Rhineland this week. As well as taking part in a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy, the youngsters marvelled at the Bundesliga club’s stadium during a guided tour. The highlight of the visit was a private press conference with former Bayer 04 striker Stefan Kießling, during which he shared tips from his own career with the young players. On Saturday afternoon, 10 October, the group will round off their visit by supporting the Werkself in the away match in Mainz.
Show more
Fun, games and promising talent: At the fourth Bayer 04 Junior Girls’ Talent Day at the Kurtekotten training centre, 90 football-mad girls had the chance to put themselves forward for the Werkself youth teams. During a 90-minute training session, children born between 2011 and 2019 had the chance to demonstrate their skills.
Show more
Despite the international break, numerous Werkself fans turned up at the BayArena on Saturday 3 October. The occasion: Bayer 04, together with Bayer Vital and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer, organised a Health Day. In the stadium’s Premium Lounge, guests listened to fascinating talks on the subject of cancer, featuring, amongst others, Bayer 04 record appearance holder Rüdiger Vollborn and former Werkself player Hans Sarpei. Afterwards, young and old alike enjoyed interactive stations such as a grip strength test and eye pupil test.
Show more
In issue #56 of Werkself Magazine, Afonso Moreira offers some interesting insights into his home country, Portugal, as part of the ‘Sag mal’ (Tell me) feature. Among other things, the 21-year-old talks about his favourite places in the country on the Iberian Peninsula, the local cuisine and music, as well as heroes and historical figures beyond the world of football. ‘Sag mal’ with Afonso Moreira!
Show more