Gross: Germans just happy they can still qualify

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Pascal hopeful his country can still make the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Charlie Hanson

2022-12-01T05:00:00Z

Jamal Musiala has been one of the outstanding performers for Germany at the World Cup so far.

Pascal Gross admits that it’s great that Germany just have the possibility of still qualifying for the last 16 of the World Cup.

Despite suffering a shock defeat to Kaoru Mitoma’s Japan which seemingly put the Germans on the verge of exiting the competition, a draw against Spain and an unexpected defeat for the Japanese against Costa Rica means Pascal’s countrymen can still go through.

They need to win their final group game against Costa Rica on Thursday, while they’re relying on Spain to beat Japan.

“The first game didn’t go the way that we thought it would or wanted it to,” Gross reflected. “The draw with Spain and the win for Costa Rica against Japan has changed the picture. Now there’s a chance to still qualify and every German would take that situation all things considered.

Jonas Hofmann in action for Die Mannschaft.

“Against Spain we were better [than we were against Japan] and I think if we qualify for the last 16, Germany will be such a tough team to be drawn against.

“Expectations were really high, like they are with England. The expectation for Germany is always to win, but there are a lot of good nations.

“We have always had good number nines, it’s an area we’ve struggled more recently, but [Niklas] Fullkrug is doing really well there now and has been doing so in the league. He is a player who has come into the tournament in form, he showed it with his performance against Spain. He has deserved this moment.”

Fullkrug’s goal against Spain has breathed new life into the Germans, but Pascal can only see two potential winners this winter.

“Brazil are really strong and I still think France are tough to beat. Those are the two teams to beat. But we’ve seen so many surprises, Morocco against Belgium and Saudi Arabia against Argentina, it’s difficult to predict.”

Regardless of the eventual winner, Pascal is loving seeing his Albion teammates in action in Qatar.

“I love football in general, but the World Cup is the biggest stage, I love watching the games and it’s even better having teammates playing there.

“Seeing Ecuador do well and Alexis with Argentina is cool, they’re showing how well Brighton are doing. If you’re doing well with your club, that’s when you get a chance with your national team and it’s a real positive for us.”