Ahead of the match in Gelsenkirchen it was clear the result would not affect Germany's position in Group A1: The 2-0 win for Holland against World Cup winners France on Friday condemned Germany to relegation to Group B in the European competition. That meant the final group match against the team from the Netherlands was primarily a matter of prestige as the visitors only needed a draw to secure top spot in the group.
Germany were on the front foot from the start and deservedly took a 2-0 lead with goals from Timo Werner (9') and Leroy Sané (19'). Through to the final stage of the game the hosts created a large number of chances but failed to extend their lead. Somewhat out of the blue, Holland pulled a goal back with five minutes to play with an unstoppable shot from Quincy Promes. The game changed from that point and the Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk levelled in added time. In contrast to the friendly against Russia on Thursday Julian Brandt, Kai Havertz and Jonathan Tah did not add to the international caps as they watched the match from the bench.
Germany failed to register a win in the first Nations League campaign and now have to hope that Portugal beat Poland on Tuesday to ensure a seeding at the top of a group for the Euro qualifiers. Thanks to a superior goal difference, Holland go through the finals as group winners ahead of France.
Jakub Bednarczyk was on the winning side on Monday night as the Poland U20s beat their contemporaries from Ukraine 2-1 in a friendly. The 19-year-old started at right back in the match in Bielitz-Biala – and he was involved in the opening goal for his team with a cross that led to a penalty. The Werkself number 32 had to go off on 33 minutes after picking up a knock.
In the final international break of the year, the last two players from Heiko Herrlich's squad are in action on Tuesday: Issac Kiese Thelin (for Sweden against Russia) and Paulinho (with the Brazil U20s against Colombia).
What a performance! The Werkself not only secured three more important points in the Bundesliga against 1. FC Heidenheim 1846, but also gave their fans at the BayArena a historic home win with great gusto and hunger for goals. Only twice before have Bayer 04 won a home match by a six-goal margin in the German top flight (7-1 against Greuther Fürth and 6-0 against Kaiserslautern). Patrik Schick and Ibrahim Maza each netted a brace, with Jonas Hofmann and Ernest Poku scoring the other goals.
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Just in time for its 30th anniversary, the Lions Club is getting a new patron: Bayer 04 goalkeeper Mark Flekken is taking over the role from Lukas Hradecky, who showed great commitment and passion for the youngest Werkself fans in recent years. The Dutchman, who is himself the father of a daughter, will accompany Lions Club events and activities and be a role model for the children with his warm and positive manner.
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It's time for another Members' Matchday! Bayer 04's Bundesliga home game against 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 on Saturday 8 November (kick-off 15:30 CET) will see lots on offer for Werkself fans of all ages on the areas around the BayArena. Members also benefit from exclusive discounts until Sunday. More information on that, and the clash with FCH, in the Matchday News.
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1. FC Heidenheim 1846 are currently bottom of the table in their third season in the Bundesliga. However, after a poor start, the underdogs from Baden-Württemberg have recently shown an upturn in form. This Saturday, 8 November (kick-off: 15:30 CET), FCH will once again be looking perform as a cohesive, combative unit at the BayArena. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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