Pascal Groß Reflects on Germany's Penalty Exit and Club Success

Pascal Groß watched the decisive kicks from the sidelines.

Julian Nagelsmann never called his name. Germany’s head coach kept the Brighton midfielder back as the DFB side crashed out on penalties after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes. As the shoot-out dragged on beyond the first five takers, the cameras caught Joshua Kimmich desperately searching for volunteers.

Leon Goretzka said no. So Jonathan Tah stepped forward as Germany’s sixth taker – and hammered the first penalty of his professional career over the bar.

Groß had been ready. At least in his head.

"I was prepared for this scenario, but I don't want to rake it over now," he told kicker when asked about his potential role in that shoot-out. The topic never resurfaced with Nagelsmann either. "No, there was no conversation. It hurt him enormously too, of course, everyone was devastated," Groß said.

The penalty drama marked the end of one chapter. The next came quietly.

At the World Cup in North America, Groß barely featured, coming off the bench for just 17 minutes in the group match against Ecuador. After that tournament, the 35-year-old disappeared from the Germany squad altogether when new head coach Jürgen Klopp took charge.

Given his age, the omission surprised nobody. Officially, he had not yet announced his international retirement. In reality, his mind was already made up.

"After the World Cup, with a bit of distance, I had already decided that the matter was over for me," he admitted. There was no showdown, no emotional farewell call. "I did not have a conversation with the head coach. For me, not being nominated is not a problem."

If his Germany story has faded, his club form has done the opposite.

Current Form

What kind of shape is Pascal Groß in right now? The numbers are blunt: 19 caps for Germany, one goal. For Brighton, though, he has exploded into the new season. The Seagulls hit the international break sitting third in the Premier League table, driven by their veteran playmaker.

In just five league matches, Groß has produced three goals and four assists – outstanding returns for any midfielder, let alone one many had quietly shuffled into the twilight of his career.

International doors may be closing. In Sussex, they look wide open.