Bayer 04 have to wait for a third World Cup winner. After success for the Brazilians Paulo Sergio (1994) and Lucio (2002), the Werkself pro Tin Jedvaj and his home nation Croatia failed to win this time round in Russia. Croatia suffered their first defeat of the tournament against France as they missed out on the opportunity to register an historic World Cup triumph.
An entertaining final played at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow ended in a significant defeat against the European Championship runners-up on Sunday evening. The Croats started brightly against a French side on the back foot. Against the run of play, the deadlock was broken by the 'Equipe Tricolore' with a headed own goal from former Bundesliga striker Mario Mandzukic (18'). Ex Wolfsburg player Ivan Perisic levelled for the Red and Whites ten minutes later with a left-foot shot that revived hopes of a first World Cup for Croatia. However, Antoine Griezmann restored the lead just before half-time with a disputed penalty settled by VAR to make it 2-1 to France. The 78,000 crowd were treated to more goals in the second 45: France midfielder Paul Pogba made it 3-1 just before the hour mark before his team-mate Kylian Mbappé settled the result with a strike on 65 minutes. Croatia did pull a goal back four minutes later through Mandzukic but were unable to break through a resolute French defence again. Jedvaj's Croatia ended up on the wrong end of 4-2 win for France.
As in the semi-final against England, the Bayer 04 defender did not come on and had to watch proceedings from the bench as France secured their second World Cup following on from 1998. The 22-year-old made one appearance in the tournament (in the 2-1 win against Iceland) – and he is now a World Cup runner-up. Congratulations, Tin.
Calling all Bayer 04 fans: The Werkself will play Pisa SC, newly promoted to Serie A, at the BayArena as part of the season opener. The clash with the club from Tuscany is on Tuesday, 5 August with the kick-off at 18:00 CET. Entrance to the stadium with a wide range of entertainment provided is possible from 15:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales for the season opener.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the 17-year-old forward Dustin Buck. The Germany youth international joins from the youth set-up at FC Augsburg. The technically gifted and fast attacker will strengthen the Werkself U19 squad.
Show moreSeveral Bayer 04 Legends, Bayer executives, club officials, current defender Arthur and, of course, dozens of enthusiastic children turned out on Saturday on the south side of Sao Paulo for the official opening of the Bayer 04 Football Academy, located at Club Bayer on the campus of Bayer Brazil.
Show moreA great night for 'Calle': Bayer 04 new signing Carlotta Wamser helped Germany to an opening win in the Women's Euro in Switzerland with an impressive performance. After coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Poland in Group C, the winger provided an assist and helped set up the second goal. The 21-year-old earned great praise from her coach and teammates in her first tournament match.
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