Croatia were the favourites going into the Round of 16 game against Denmark after winning all three group matches against Nigeria, Argentina and Iceland. Tin Jedvaj, who played the full 90 minutes against Iceland, remained on the subs bench with the former Bayer 04 pro Domagoj Vida in the starting eleven. Mathias Jörgensen gave Denmark the lead in the first minute but Mario Mandzukic quickly levelled on four minutes. Luka Modric had a penalty saved in added time (114 mins) by the Denmark keeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Croatia then came out on top in the ensuing penalty shoot-out with their keeper Danijel Subasic saving three penalties including the final spot-kick from former Werkself player Nicolai Jörgensen who came on after 60 minutes. The quarter-finals see Croatia take on Russia in Sochi on Saturday (20.00 CET) after the hosts beat Spain 4-3 on penalties.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Germany U19 international Luca Erlein from Hoffenheim. The 19-year-old right-back, who is capable of playing in various defensive positions, has penned a contract until 30 June 2030.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen has a new coffee partner. The club has agreed a long-term partnership with the Bocholt-based roastery Imping, running to 30 June 2031. The exclusive partnership with the family-run business includes the installation of fully automatic coffee machines at the BayArena, as well as the right to supply and serve coffee products in the business areas during Werkself home games.
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