Leverkusen, Germany  - Goals in each half from Mario Gomez and Mesut Ozil gave Germany a 2-0 victory over World Cup hosts South Africa in a friendly international in Leverkusen on Saturday.

Gomez struck from close range in the 36th minute for a well-worked goal in which Ozil combined with Michael Ballack before the Germany captain crossed low for the Stuttgart striker to finish.

Werder Bremen midfielder Ozil, playing his first game from the start, crowned a bright performance by adding a second in the 77th minute from a pass by substitute Miroslav Klose.

Leverkusen - Bayer Leverkusen and Germany forward Patrick Helmes is sidelined for several months after rupturing the cruciate ligament in his knee, the Bundesliga club Leverkusen said on Friday.

Leverkusen said that Helmes, 25, sustained the injury in his right knee during a post-season holiday and underwent surgery on Friday.

Leverkusen, Germany  - Former Germany striker and coach Rudi Voeller has renewed his contract as Bayer Leverkusen sports director until 2012, the Bundesliga club said on Thursday.

Voeller, 49, held the job 1996-2000 and returned in 2005. he was recently mentioned as a possible candidate for the Bayern Munich general manager job as Uli Hoeness is set to quit later this year after 30 years. (dpa)

Leverkusen, Germany - Bayer Leverkusen announced the signing Friday of Gabor Kiraly as replacement goalkeeper for the injured Benedikt Fernandez.

The 32-year-old Kiraly moves from English Championship side Burnley and has been given a contract until the end of the season.

"We didn't want to run any risks in the advent that our number one Rene Adler was unavailable so we need an experienced goalkeeper," said Leverkusen sports director Rudi Voeller.

Hungarian Kiraly made 198 appearances for Hertha Berlin between 1997 and 2004. (dpa)

Leverkusen, Germany - Bayer Leverkusen sit top of the German Bundesliga - at least overnight - thanks to a 2-0 victory over VfL Wolfsburg in a Friday night game.

Second-half goals from Tranquillo Barnetta and Stefan Kiesling secured the win to move Leverkusen on to 24 points, two clear of Hoffenheim, who can regain top spot by taking three points at home to lowly SC Karlsruhe on Saturday.

Leverkusen, Germany - Bayer Leverkusen have renewed the contract of veteran midfielder Bernd Schneider by one year until 2010, the Bundesliga club said on Monday.

Schneider, 34, has been sidelined since April with a back injury, but coach Bruno Labbadia said the contract renewal was not merely a nice gesture. He said he expected the 81-times capped Schneider to strengthen the team once he returns.

Leverkusen lie second in the league, one point behind surprise leaders Hoffenheim. (dpa)