Perfect support for the Germany U21s arrived a few minutes before kick-off in the Euro qualifier against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Fürth: Underdogs Moldova secured a surprise win against Belgium who had been top of Group 9 up to that point. And the team under coach Stefan Kuntz knew how to make the most of the situation shortly after that. Lukas Nmecha (RSC Anderlecht) scored the opening goal on the half-hour mark.
While Lennart Grill went the full distance between the sticks and again kept a clean sheet after the 5-0 win against Moldova four days ago, Florian Wirtz went off injured after 26 minutes. “He had problems with his stomach muscles in a different place. We agreed to always be open with each other and that’s why we took him off early as a precaution,” said Germany coach Kuntz about the youngest Germany U21 international of all time.
Germany end the qualifiers on 17 November against Wales with everything in their own hands. A draw could be enough to qualify for the European Championships as the group winners are joined in the finals in Slovenia and Hungary by the five best second-placed teams.
The senior Germany team entertained Switzerland in the Nations League on Tuesday night. The team under coach Joachim Löw were already two goals down after 26 minutes but Timo Werner pulled one back just before the break to make it 2-1 at half-time. Former Werkself player Kai Havertz levelled shortly after the restart and Serge Gnabry scored on the hour mark to equalise at 3-3. The Leverkusen player Jonathan Tah did not come on against Switzerland.
Germany have three games in the international break in November. Against the Czech Republic and Ukraine in Leipzig before the clash with Spain in the Nations League.
Vital points have been at stake in South America in the race to qualify for the World Cup. After beating Ecuador, Argentina were away to Bolivia on Tuesday night. Bayer 04 player Exequiel Palacios, like the captain Lionel Messi, played the full 90 minutes as La Albiceleste registered their next victory: ‘Pala’ and Co. won 2-1 in La Paz. Lucas Alario did not play.
Like Palacios, the Werkself captain Charles Aránguiz was also on the pitch for 90 minutes at the end of this international break. After the opening defeat in Uruguay, Chile picked up a first point with a 2-2 draw against Colombia.
Like Grill and Wirtz, Moussa Diaby was in action for France looking to qualify for the Euro finals next year – and that was secured with a 1-0 home win against Slovakia. Diaby, who recovered from a minor foot injury from the Stuttgart game (3 October), was substituted on 76 minutes.
Werkself central defender Edmond Tapsoba has been playing in Africa: The 21-year-old went the full distance in a 2-1 win for Burkina Faso in a friendly against Madagascar on Monday night.
Aleksandar Dragovic and Julian Baumgartlinger (Austria):
Wednesday, 14 October (20.45 CEST/live on DAZN): Romania v Austria (UEFA Nations League)
Lukas Hradecky (Finland):
Wednesday, 14 October (18.00 CEST/live on DAZN): Finland v Ireland (UEFA Nations League)
Tin Jedvaj (Croatia):
Wednesday, 14 October (20.45 CEST/live on DAZN): Croatia v France (UEFA Nations League)
New signing Miguel Gutiérrez arrives in Leverkusen having won the Champions League, the Spanish league title and an Olympic gold medal. However, the 25-year-old Spaniard, signed from Napoli, is looking to the future – he wants to write the next chapter of success with the Werkself. Bayer04.de takes a closer look at the skilful, attack-minded left-back, who will wear the number 3 jersey.
Show more
The Werkself's training camp in Weimarer Land all in one place: in our daily blog you'll find all the insights and updates from the day. Day three (Tuesday 4 August) begins with a thorough open session on the pitch. After lunch, some players have media engagements at the team hotel, and then the team come together for a barbecue in the evening.
Show more
Nine matches against teams from nine countries, two penalty shoot-outs won, and encounters that went far beyond football: As with last year, the Inklusionswerkself enjoyed an extraordinary week at the Genuine Cup 2026 in Houston, USA, and made memories that will last a lifetime. This year, the Leverkusen side took part as Germany’s official representatives and, accordingly, took to the pitch in Germany kit. Together with 53 teams from 53 nations, the Black and Reds once again sent a powerful message of inclusion and participation – and also impressed on the pitch by winning their group.
Show more
The Werkself training camp in the Weimarer Land all in one place: in our daily blog, you’ll find all the insights and updates from the day. The programme for day two (Monday, 3 August) centres on two training sessions – one in the morning (open to the public) and one in the early evening (behind closed doors) – at the nearby training grounds. In the afternoon, fans can look forward to a big fan meet-up with club legend Paulo Sergio at Schloss Blankenhain.
Show more
