
The satisfaction at reaching the Olympic final was huge after the 2-0 win against Nigeria in the semi-finals on Thursday. “It was a really, really tight game and we had to give our all to win,” said Lars Bender, “but I think we deserved to make it to the final.” Both the skipper and midfield dynamo of the Werkself as well as his Bayer 04 team-mate Julian Brandt played a big part in guiding Horst Hrubesch’s players to the ultimate prize with constantly improving team performances in the tournament on the back of limited time for preparation. Germany take on hosts Brazil in the battle for gold at the legendary Maracana Stadium on Saturday at 22.30 CET (live on ARD).
This “unique success” (DFB sporting director Hansi Flick) has also led, in part, to the German team moving their HQ to the Olympic village on Friday to finally experience the atmosphere of the games surrounded by other athletes – a target that has been high on the agenda of Lars Bender, Julian Brandt and the other players from the start. “This unique atmosphere will give the team a boost as they prepare for the final,” said Hansi Flick.
Julian Brandt is not just waiting for the final against Brazil with Neymar, Renato Augusto and Co. in their line-up. “It’s incredible we’ve already secured a medal. Of course, gold would be better than silver,” said Brandt who has had a great tournament that includes seven assists for Germany. And Brandt does not underestimate the close commitment shown by the team to the head coach Horst Hrubesch who is in charge of a Germany team for the last time in the Olympic final: “He loves the game and winning a medal not only fulfils a dream for us but for him too.”
Krahn looking to write history today
The Germany women’s team are looking to write sporting history at the Maracana tonight (22.30 CET, live on ZDF): Just one more win against Sweden, who knocked out hosts Brazil on penalties in the last four, is all the team coached by Silvia Neid need for glory and a gold medal. It is also the first time that two European teams have met in an Olympic final. Annike Krahn, who has proved to be a rock at the heart of the German defence in this tournament, won bronze with Germany at the 2008 games in Beijing. She will definitely do better this time round.


Bayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed Kerim Alajbegovic’s transfer to Italian record champions Juventus. The club brought the 18-year-old attacking player back to Leverkusen this summer via a buy-back option, following a season at Red Bull Salzburg. Until his move to Austria, the Bosnia international had been playing for Bayer 04’s Under-19s.
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With 22 days to go until the start of the Bundesliga campaign, the Bayer 04 Women’s team have gained a fresh boost of confidence. In a friendly against Belgian top-flight side KRC Genk on Saturday afternoon, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team secured a 1–0 win. Lobke Loonen (20’) scored the winner for the Black and Reds at the Kurtekotten training centre.
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Werkself TV shows the highlights of the 3-0 victory in the friendly match against Rot-Weiss Essen...
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without Kennet Eichhorn for the time being. Following specialist medical examinations, the new signing from Berlin has been diagnosed with a metabolic disorder requiring treatment. This was preceded by excessive physical strain and weight loss, partly as a result of a gastrointestinal condition.
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A successful fourth preseason friendly ahead of the start of the training camp: The Werkself secured a 3-0 victory over Rot-Weiss Essen at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The goals in what was a commanding and dominant performance by Leverkusen from the outset were scored by Ibrahim Maza (8'), Patrik Schick from the penalty spot (23’) and, in the second half, Montrell Culbreath with a header (79’). The team set off for their training camp in Blankenhain in the Weimarer Land region after the game.
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