It was a sensational moment for the Leverkusen striker: Chicharito opened the scoring for Mexico in the World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica after just seven minutes with a brilliant lob over the opposition keeper – it was his 46th goal for El Tri. The strike put him level with all-time record goalscorer Jared Borgetti and it was celebrated by the enthusiastic crowd at the Aztec Stadium. When Raul Jiminez replaced him on 66 minutes the whole stadium showed their appreciation for Chicha. Nestor Araujo doubled the lead just before the break. The 2-0 win takes Mexico to the top of the CONCACAF qualification group.
Setback for Chile
Charles Aránguiz and his Chile team-mates suffered a setback in the South American World Cup qualifiers: They lost 1-0 away to Argentina, the 44th time in succession they have failed to win there. Lionel Messi scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot on 16 minutes. Chile were unlucky with an effort from Fuenzalida being ruled out for offside. Aránguiz played for the full 90 minutes. Chile pushed the hosts back in the final half-hour but they missed brilliant chance to level with a free-kick from Alexis Sanchez on 70 minutes that hit the bar. After 13 out of 18 qualifiers Chile have slipped down to sixth in the table, which means they would not qualify for the World Cup. However, a win in the night to Wednesday against bottom of the table Venezuela could see Aránguiz and Co. considerably improve their chances.
Toprak wins against Pohjanpalo
In Europe, Turkey secured a 2-0 win against Finland to keep their hopes alive of finishing second in Group I. Ömer Toprak played the whole game for the winners and Joel Pohjanpalo was substituted on 72 minutes in Antalya. The group is led by Croatia who beat Ukraine 1-0. Tin Jedvaj played for the full 90 minutes in the Croat defence.
Late strikes from Austria
Austria took their time to get going at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna but Marcel Koller's men ended up beating Moldova 2-0 with goals from Marcel Sabitzer (75') and Martin Harnik (90'). Aleksandar Dragovic marshalled the Austrian defence with Julian Baumgartlinger looking on due to suspension. Austria are still four points away from World Cup qualification in Group D. Benny Henrichs did not play in Germany's 1-0 win in a friendly against England in Wiesbaden.
Since 2023, Bayer 04 has been organising regular free goalkeeping coach training sessions at the BayArena. As in previous years, the event attracted enormous interest in mid-October 2026. Around 140 participants – mostly goalkeeping coaches from the region, but also team and academy coaches as well as association staff – came to the Werkself stadium to gain expert knowledge on the subject of zonal marking. Through a theoretical keynote presentation and a practical session on the pitch, the participants gained insights into goalkeeping and goalkeeper training at Bayer 04.
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The international break produced a full range of emotions for Bayer 04’s women. While four Leverkusen players were in play-off action to try and reach the World Cup, including two important goals, there were others in friendly action. Here’s a round-up of all the results…
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The NB Vintage Collection is here and available now! Members enjoy an exclusive priority purchase period (online shop only). Non-members will then be able to purchase items from Saturday 17 October (10:00 CEST). Sales will also begin at the same time at the Bayer 04 Fanwelt.
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On Matchday 1 of the UEFA Europa League league phase, Lech Poznań suffered a heavy defeat at Crystal Palace. Now the Polish champions will be looking for a more successful outcome in their first home game against the Werkself this Thursday, 15 October (kick-off 18:45 CEST) - and banking on a strong attack. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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