Four German Players Declined to Participate in Penalty Shootout

A video circulating widely in Germany has sparked significant public backlash following a penalty shootout, highlighting the reluctance of several veteran players to participate in crucial kicks.

The footage documents captain Joshua Kimmich's efforts to secure a volunteer for the sixth penalty after the opening five shots, showing the midfielder standing isolated on the pitch. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had kept Germany's chances alive by making two consecutive saves during the sequence.

According to German media outlet Fox Online, Kimmich first approached 23-year-old fullback Nathaniel Brown of Eintracht Frankfurt, subsequently informing him that he would instead take the eighth penalty. Brown appeared to accept this arrangement with a nod.

The captain then appealed to his Bayern Munich colleague Leon Goretzka, asking whether the 31-year-old midfielder would take a shot. Goretzka's response was silence and an implicit refusal, prompting Kimmich to announce he would take the ninth penalty instead.

Centre-backs Waldemar Anton and Malik Thiao similarly declined to face Paraguay's goalkeeper Orlando Gil. This left Jonathan Tah, the defender, to take his inaugural penalty kick—a shot that sailed over the crossbar and missed the target.

The incident has generated considerable controversy in Germany, with the captured moment raising questions about player commitment and leadership during the critical moment.