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Volkmar GrossWest German footballer who played as a goalkeeper.
Date of Birth: 31.01.1948
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Career
- Berlin's Record-breaker
- Match-Fixing Scandal
- A South African Interlude
- Return to Europe
- Back in the Bundesliga and a Goal
- Schalke and the USA
- Soccer and Showbol
- Post-Playing Career and Legacy
Early Career
Born in Berlin's Zehlendorf district, Wolfgang Groos began his football journey at local club Hertha Zehlendorf. He later joined Hertha BSC, where he made his professional debut in 1967.
Berlin's Record-breaker
Groos quickly established himself as Hertha's starting goalkeeper, playing 111 official matches over five seasons. In April 1970, he became part of Hertha's record-setting 9-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund.
Match-Fixing Scandal
In 1971, Groos was implicated in a match-fixing scandal that rocked the Bundesliga. He was subsequently suspended for two years and fined 15,000 marks.
A South African Interlude
During his suspension, Groos played for Hellenic FC in South Africa's National Football League, which was not under FIFA jurisdiction.
Return to Europe
After his ban expired, Groos joined Dutch club Twente in 1974. With them, he reached the 1974/75 UEFA Cup and Dutch Cup finals.
Back in the Bundesliga and a Goal
In 1977, Groos returned to Germany and signed for Tennis Borussia Berlin. Famously, he scored a late free-kick goal against Kaiserslautern in May 1977.
Schalke and the USA
After a brief spell with Tennis Borussia, Groos joined Bundesliga side Schalke 04. In 1979, he moved to the United States and signed with Minnesota Kicks of the NASL.
Soccer and Showbol
Groos later played for San Diego Sockers, where he played 162 matches and won three consecutive Showbol Championships. He retired from football after the 1984 season.
Post-Playing Career and Legacy
After his playing days, Groos became a part-owner of a restaurant and worked as a football commentator, blogger, and member of Hertha BSC's fan movement. He passed away on July 3, 2014, at the age of 66 after a prolonged illness. His ashes were buried in a ball-shaped urn at the Zehlendorf Forest Cemetery. Groos played one international match for Germany in 1970 and was capped for the West Berlin City Selection.
