"It's not easy getting into a tournament like this so it's very important for us to have won the first game. We were under a bit of pressure and Denmark were not easy opponents. I think you could feel our anxiety a bit in the first five minutes when we were too hesitant. But overall, we played a good game and deserved to win," said the Werkself number four who played his part in the German defence that was solid for most of the game. "Apart from a few set pieces, we didn't give much away but there were a couple of things we have to do better. We want to move up a gear in the next match," said Tah.
Playing in front of 7,000 fans in Udine, the team led by coach Stefan Kuntz produced a committed and mature performance in the second half to build on a narrow but deserved 1-0 lead at the break. Marco Richter of FC Augsburg (28', 52') and Luca Waldschmidt of SC Freiburg (65') converted chances created by Germany with Tah starting alongside the two former Bayern 04 players Benny Henrichs (AS Monaco) and Levin Öztunali (Mainz 05). Robert Skov scored for Denmark from the penalty spot on 73 minutes.
Germany are back in action on Thursday (20 June, 21.00 CET, live on ARD) against Serbia who suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat against Austria early on Monday evening.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
Show more
Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
Show more
Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
Show more
It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
