Everything is going like clockwork for Hakan Calhanoglu when he puts on a Turkey shirt. Four weeks ago the Werkself midfielder scored the goal for Turkey in a 1-1 draw in the World Cup qualifier away to Croatia. And another Calhanoglu goal brought a point for Turkey on Thursday night in a 2-2 draw against Ukraine. With his team 2-0 down Hakan held his nerve when he converted a penalty with eight minutes to play to level at 2-2 to secure an important point in the race for a European qualifying slot for the 2018 World Cup. Calhanoglu also provided the assist for the first goal from Ozan Tufan with an accurate corner. Ömer Toprak returned to the starting line-up for his national side for the first time in two years.
Fortunately and Charles Aránguiz, who played the full 90 minutes, the World Cup qualifier in Ecuador ended with a bitter disappointment. The Copa America winner's lost 3-0. The hosts were 2-0 up at half-time and the third came just after the restart. Brazil coasted to a 5-0 win against Bolivia. Wendell, who was in the Seleção squad for the first time, did not make his debut for the record World Cup winners. The South American World Cup qualifying group sees Brazil in second place with 18 points from nine games, one point behind leaders Uruguay, and Chile are seventh with just 11 points.
Austria had to settle for a 2-2 draw in the home game against Wales but they twice came back from behind with Marco Arnautovic scoring both goals. Julian Baumgartlinger was the Austria captain in his 50th international. Aleksandar Dragovic was also in the starting eleven. And the Werkself trio for Austria was complete after 15 minutes when goalkeeper Ramazan Özcan replace the injured keeper Robert Almer.
Ran out easy winners with a 6-0 victory in Kosovo. Tin Jedvaj did not play. Australia also drew 2-2 in Saudi Arabia with Robbie Kruse playing the full 90 minutes.
Calling all Bayer 04 fans: The Werkself will play Pisa SC, newly promoted to Serie A, at the BayArena as part of the season opener. The clash with the club from Tuscany is on Tuesday, 5 August with the kick-off at 18:00 CET. Entrance to the stadium with a wide range of entertainment provided is possible from 15:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales for the season opener.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the 17-year-old forward Dustin Buck. The Germany youth international joins from the youth set-up at FC Augsburg. The technically gifted and fast attacker will strengthen the Werkself U19 squad.
Show moreSeveral Bayer 04 Legends, Bayer executives, club officials, current defender Arthur and, of course, dozens of enthusiastic children turned out on Saturday on the south side of Sao Paulo for the official opening of the Bayer 04 Football Academy, located at Club Bayer on the campus of Bayer Brazil.
Show moreA great night for 'Calle': Bayer 04 new signing Carlotta Wamser helped Germany to an opening win in the Women's Euro in Switzerland with an impressive performance. After coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Poland in Group C, the winger provided an assist and helped set up the second goal. The 21-year-old earned great praise from her coach and teammates in her first tournament match.
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