In a repeat of the 1-1 draw in the group match, Chile applied pressure in the opening stages in the final in Saint Petersburg and succeeded in putting the Germany defence on the spot time after time. One of the most impressive players for La Roja during this stage of the game was Charles Aránguiz. The Werkself pro twice got himself in a good position up front but he was unable to take his chances.
The team coached by Joachim Löw then took the lead out of the blue. Timo Werner exploited a big mistake by Marcelo Diaz, squared the ball to Lars Stindl who had a simple tap in on 20 minutes. Germany were now in the game and they had three good chances to extend the lead in the last ten minutes of the first half through Leon Goretzka (36'/44') and Julian Draxler (40').
The match heated up in the second half. The game was interspersed with numerous niggles. Draxler had the first clear chance after a great solo run. Chile were failing to impress at this point. It was only in the closing stages that La Roja increased the pressure on the German goal. Vargas, Aránguiz and substitute Sagal all had decent chances. However, Germany were able to maintain their narrow lead with a mixture of determination and fortune. "I'm mega proud of this young group," said Löw after winning the title.
The Leipzig player Werner won the tournament golden boots with three goals and two assists. Draxler was named the best player In the Confed Cup 2017.
Following the U21s winning the European Championships, Germany lifting the Confed Cup as the second big success for the DFB within three days.
Chicha fourth with Mexico
Chicharito was in the starting line-up for his 96th international appearance for Mexico in the match for third place at the Confederations Cup. The match against the reigning European Champions Portugal quickly developed into an interesting clash with lots of chances on both sides. Chicharito was often sort out by his team-mates and also found.
The Werkself striker had an impressive game, covering a lot of ground, getting stuck into challenges and forcing Portugal's keeper Patricio to make a brilliant save on the half-hour mark with a shot on the turn. Before that, Portugal's André Silva had a better chance to score when he missed a penalty. After a goalless first half it was Chicha who brought about the lead for Mexico on 54 minutes. His sharp cross was turned into his own net by Portugal's Neto. Chicharito was substituted on 85 minutes Andy had to look on from the bench when Pepe equalised for Portugal in added time.
The match went into extra time and the decider came from the penalty spot just before the change of ends. Adrien Silva kept his cool on 104 minutes as he scored the winning goal to make it 2-1 for the European Champions.
After Jens Nowotny was officially named a Bayer 04 honorary captain last weekend, the long-standing Werkself player is part of the Leverkusen delegation on the trophy tour to New York City next week from 11 to 14 September. In an interview with bayer04.de, the 50-year-old talked about his expectations ahead of the trip to the metropolis on the East Coast of the USA.
Show moreThe German Football League (DFL) has confirmed the dates and kick-off times for matchdays 6 to 12 of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season. Full details of the Bayer 04 fixtures.
Show moreMarkus Rehm, a long jumper at TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen, won the gold medal for the fourth time in succession at the Paralympics on Wednesday.
Show moreThe fixture details for the second round of the DFB Pokal 2024/25 have been confirmed. The home tie for Bayer 04 against second division SV 07 Elversberg is on Tuesday, 29 October with the kick off at 18.00 CET (live on Sky). That was announced by the German Football Association (DFB) on Thursday.
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