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.
Four Bayer 04 players are in action at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026: Eliesse Ben Seghir for the hosts, Edmond Tapsoba with Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Maza for Algeria and Christian Kofane with Cameroon. Updates on the AFCON matches involving Werkself players...
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After a week in the Algarve, the Bayer 04 Women returned home on Saturday afternoon. The Werkself had six training sessions, two friendlies and a lot of time together as a team. Roberto Pätzold's team will be back in action in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga next Friday for the start of matchday 15.
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"We didn’t make the right decision at the right moments," said captain Robert Andrich after the 1-0 defeat away to TSG Hoffenheim, where Bayer 04 endeavoured to control the game but failed to score. The Werkself also had two enforced substitutions due to injuries. Nevertheless, the coach, captain and debutant Janis Blaswich are positive about the coming weeks. The Werkself review.
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Werkself TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 0-1 loss at TSG Hoffenheim on Matchday 18 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season...
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No points in the Kraichgau: the Werkself lost 1-0 away to top-six rivals TSG Hoffenheim on Bundesliga Matchday 18. Wouter Burger scored the only goal with a free kick in the ninth minute. In an uneventful contest, the Werkself tried hard to find an equaliser but were repeatedly thwarted.
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