Argentina scored the first goal of the night on 35 minutes and Lionel Messi made it 2-0 with a penalty in the middle of the second half (73'). The Netherlands team refused to give up and the former Bundesliga player Wout Weghorst found the back of the net on 83 and 90+11 minutes – giving the 88,000 spectators 30 minutes of extra time. There were no more goals scored so it came down to penalties. Argentina progressed to the last four by missing one less spot kick than the Oranje. Both Exequiel Palacios with Argentina and Jeremie Frimpong with the Netherlands did not play on the night.
Palacios and Co. face Croatia in the semi-finals. Croatia beat Brazil 2-1 on penalties in the other quarter-final. The match on Tuesday 13 December kicks off at 20.00 CET.
Sardar Azmoun with Iran and Piero Hincapie with Ecuador went out of the 2022 World Cup at the group stage.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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