The reigning World Cup winners Germany will play Saudi Arabia at the BayArena ahead of this summer's tournament. As confirmed by the German Football Association (DFB) on Friday, the Saudis will play the titleholders at Leverkusen's stadium on 8 June immediately before departing for the finals in Russia (14 June to 15 July). During the World Cup training camp in South Tirol, Germany will play Austria in Klagenfurt on 2 June. At the request of the sporting management the run-in will include a home game – with friendly prices for young fans.
"Children and teenagers watch the team play for five euros," said DFB president Reinhard Grindel. "We know it's special motivation for the children and teenagers in our clubs to be able to support their heroes. We hope lots of young fans in Leverkusen will get behind our players and give them a boost for the World Cup in Russia." For the game against Saudi Arabia, being played six days before the World Cup opening game against Russia, Germany coach Joachim Löw is expecting, "a different way of playing and mentality we aren't so familiar with but which we have to be prepared for at a World Cup. I assume Saudi Arabia will take the game against us very seriously and not give anything away."
In Group F, the reigning World Cup winners Germany, will play Mexico (17 June), Sweden (23 June) and South Korea (27 June). Germany have played Saudi Arabia twice before. In 1998 there was a 3-0 win for Germany in a friendly in Riyadh. Germany won 8-0 in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup.
Previous full internationals in Leverkusen:
18.12.1991: Germany v Luxembourg 4-0 (Euro qualifier 1992)
08.10.1995: Germany v Moldova 6-1 (Euro qualifier 1996)
04.06.1999: Germany v Moldova 6-1 (Euro qualifier 2000)
24.03.2001: Germany v Albania 2-1 (World Cup qualifier 2002)
18.05.2002: Germany v Austria 6-2
30.05.2006: Germany v Japan 2-2
05.09.2009: Germany v South Africa 2-0
Bayer 04 return to action after the international break with Matchday 11 of the Bundesliga as they host 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 at the BayArena today, Saturday 23 November (kick-off 15:30 CET). The Matchday News has everything you need to know ahead of the battle with the UEFA Conference League participants.
Show more
The international break is followed by the run-in to the end of the year: The Werkself entertain FC Heidenheim at the BayArena tomorrow, Saturday 23 November (kick-off: 15.30 CET/live on Sky and on Werkself Radio), on Bundesliga Matchday 11. The fixture against FC Heidenheim is the first of eight games before Christmas. Head coach Xabi Alonso, speaking at the pre-match press conference, talked about the opponents and provided updates on the Werkself squad including on Victor Boniface.
Show more
Just twelve days after the head-to-head in the league, the Bayer 04 Women again entertain Turbine Potsdam at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. In contrast to the 3-0 win on Bundesliga Matchday 9, this time it is not about picking up three points. On Friday, 22 November (kick-off: 18.00 CET) it is all about going through to the quarter-finals in the DFB Pokal. Werkself TV will broadcast the match live and exclusively via a free stream.
Show more
After a good start to the season, FC Heidenheim have recently struggled in the league. Even though results have been disappointing: There is never a lack of commitment, passion and desire in the team coached by Frank Schmidt. FCH could prove to be tricky opponents for the Werkself at the BayArena on Saturday, 23 November (kick-off: 15.30 CET). The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more