When a knockout match ends in a draw, the drama usually shifts to a penalty shootout. It’s a simple idea – each team takes turns trying to score from the spot – but the pressure makes it feel like a whole different game. Below you’ll find the basics, smart ways to handle the stress, and the moments that turned shootouts into legend.
The shootout starts after extra time. A coin toss decides which team kicks first. Each side gets five kicks, alternating after each attempt. If one team is ahead by an unreachable margin before the fifth kick, the shootout ends early. When the score is still level after ten kicks, it moves to sudden death – a miss by one side and a score by the other ends it.
Only the goalkeeper and the shooter may be inside the penalty area. The kicker must strike the ball forward, and the ball is in play once it moves. The goalkeeper must stay on the line until the ball is kicked, though they can move laterally. The referee watches for any encroachment; a violation means a retake.
Most competitions follow the same core rules, but some tournaments tweak the order or the number of kicks. For example, the UEFA Nations League used a three‑kick format for its first knockout round. Youth leagues sometimes let players pick any position to shoot from, but senior professional games stick to the standard spot 12 yards from the goal line.
In recent years, video‑assistant referees (VAR) have been added to review goalkeeper movement and ball placement. VAR can’t decide on the outcome of a shootout, but it can correct clear errors, like a goalkeeper stepping off the line before the ball is struck.
Preparation starts long before the match. Practice both power and placement; a well‑aimed low drive is harder to reach than a high, hard shot. Visualize the run‑up, the strike, and the ball’s path. Many pros use a short, consistent run‑up to keep their rhythm.
When you step up, focus on one point inside the net – a corner or the side post – instead of the whole goal. Keep your body relaxed: tense muscles can cause the ball to go off‑center. Take a deep breath, lock in your routine, and trust the muscle memory you built in training.
Goalkeepers need to read the shooter’s body language. Look at the angle of the approach foot and the position of the hips. A slight shift early on can hint at where the ball will go. That said, don’t overthink – committing too early can backfire.
Practice diving both ways and staying tall on the line. Some keepers tap the ball forward to narrow the angle, forcing the shooter to aim harder. Others stay still and rely on reflexes. Find what works for you and stick to it during the pressure of a shootout.
One of the most talked‑about shootouts is the 2005 Champions League final, where Liverpool beat AC Milan on penalties after a 3‑3 draw. Jerzy Lewandowski’s miss and Steven Gerrard’s cool conversion are still replayed in cups and bars.
In the 1994 World Cup, Italy’s Roberto Baggio famously slipped over the crossbar in the final shootout against Brazil – a moment that still haunts Italian fans. The opposite side of the coin is the 2014 World Cup, when Germany’s Mario Götze scored the winning goal in extra time, avoiding a shootout altogether.
Women’s football also has its icons. The 2019 Women’s World Cup quarter‑final between England and Norway went to penalties, and England’s Ellen White lifted the trophy after a flawless conversion record.
These moments show that a shootout can be both cruel and glorious. Whether you’re a player, a goalkeeper, or a fan watching from the stands, understanding the rules and staying calm can turn the nerve‑wracking minutes into a thrilling finale.
Fans can add to the excitement by learning the order of shooters and cheering each kick. A simple chant or a supportive shout can lift a player’s confidence. At the same time, keep the noise respectful – the goalkeeper needs to hear the referee’s whistle.
If you’re watching on TV, look for the body language cues we mentioned. Spotting a shooter’s hip angle or a keeper’s stance makes the drama more personal. And remember, a single miss does not define a player; the whole team shares the outcome.
Penalty shootouts are a test of skill, composure, and a bit of luck. By knowing the rules, practicing smart routines, and staying supportive, you can enjoy every moment – whether you’re on the pitch or in the crowd.
Molde advanced in the UEFA Europa Conference League, ousting Shamrock Rovers in a penalty shootout after a tied knockout play-off. Wolff Eikrem's goal equalized series scores, with a heated moment over a no-penalty decision. Despite Shamrock's commendable effort, it was Molde's night as they maintained composure in penalties, while Greene's crucial miss sealed Shamrock's fate.
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