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.
Bayer 04 have signed Tim Oermann on a contract to 2029. The central defender, who can also play at right-back, joins the Werkself from VfL Bochum following their relegation from the Bundesliga. Bayer 04 will loan out the Germany U21 international to the Austrian champions SK Sturm Graz for the 2025/26 season. Bayer04.de profiles Oermann.
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Bayer 04 have signed defender Tim Oermann. The central defender, who can also play at right-back, joins the Werkself from VfL Bochum following their relegation from the Bundesliga. The 21-year-old has a contract to 30 June 2029. Bayer 04 will loan out the Germany U21 international to the champions of Austria SK Sturm Graz for the 2025/26 campaign.
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The Silver Boot award from the VDV players union: Werkself player Florian Wirtz has again been voted Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2024/25 by his fellow professionals following on from his win last season in 2023/24.
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After the end of the competitive season for Bayer 04, the Werkself players still have a few international matches to look forward to at the beginning of June. In the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League, for example, the German national team will face Portugal, while the next World Cup qualifiers and a number of friendly matches will take place. An overview.
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