Penalty shootouts can be fascinating and heartbreaking in equal measure. Punters at online sites such as Casino namizne igre get even more of a thrill by having a bet. While the victors claim all the glory, the losers are probably just as remembered. For every hero, there is usually a villain, unfortunate misses causing heartbreak for clubs or nations. The fans don’t forget and while supporters can forgive, rivals have been known to taunt and sing songs to ensure that day lives on. With England involved in the Euros again this year, talk inevitably returns to their shootout loss to Germany in the semi-final at Euro 96.
Held on home soil, the tournament was seen as a big chance for England to finally claim another trophy on the international stage. Playing well to get that far, when the pressure was on they once again failed to deliver. Gareth Southgate’s penalty was saved, resulting in Germany getting through and subsequently winning the tournament. Now, take a moment to consider a few other shootouts that have gone down in the history of football.
England Vs. West Germany 1990
Many people associate this game as to where England’s bad luck with penalties and complete collapse in confidence on the international stage began. As if it wasn’t bad enough they had been under huge pressure to break a trophy drought going since 1966. Beginning slowly with some dull games, they proceeded to get in their stride to reach the semis against Germany.
However, the teams couldn’t be separated and the dreaded penalty shootout came into play. The Germans held their nerve converting all their penalties as first Stuart Pearce saw his penalty saved before Chris Waddle blazed his effort over the bar. It was the closest England would come to the World Cup final until playing and losing to Croatia in 2018. A prime example of the pain that can be endured and how players must do their best to convert their efforts.
Brazil Vs. Italy 1994
The first World Cup final ever to be decided on penalties, it’s fair to say not much is probably remembered about the actual game. Extra time became a little more exciting but the game always seemed likely to end in penalties. With the penalty kick score at 3-2 in Brazil’s favour, Roberto Baggio, one of the most famous and skilled players in the world, stepped up for Italy. He blasted his shot over the bar, giving the World Cup to Brazil. Images of Baggio, head bowed, were beamed across the world and remain an iconic picture of football despair.
Manchester United Vs. Chelsea 2008
In a decade of domestic battles between these two teams, where dominance shifted from side to side, this Champions League final showcased the top two teams in England. It was the first time this had happened in the competition. Needless to say, it was a raucous affair, held in Moscow with masses of fans from both teams making the journey, with or without tickets. Normal time finished 1-1, extra time brought no more goals, but did result in the sending off of Chelsea striker, Didier Drogba.
This may have proved to be costly, as leading on penalties with the chance to win the game, defender John Terry stepped up to take the decisive winning kick. However, he slipped and handed the advantage back to Utd which they took, leading to heartbreak for Chelsea after Nicholas Anelka saw his penalty saved by Edwin van der Saar. Terry was in tears and it took Chelsea four years to get to another final, this time managing to win on penalties.
Holland Vs. Costa Rica 2014
In the quarter-final knockouts of the World Cup, Holland’s manager made a brave and unusual move. Having lost the previous World Cup final to Spain, many felt this was their time to shine. But they ran into the solid defensive unit of Costa Rica and despite their best efforts, could not score. As the clock ticked on and towards inevitable penalties, panic was setting in with Dutch fans. Not so much Louis van Gaal, who substituted goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen for Tim Krul. This was a masterstroke as Krul saved two penalties to break Costa Rican hearts and ensure the Dutch progressed even further in the tournament.
Villarreal Vs. Manchester United 2021
In the latest edition of the Europa Cup final, Manchester United were firm favourites at all online casinos to take home the trophy. Utd have pedigree and history in Europe, their last win being this very competition in 2017. However, Villarreal on the other hand had never tasted success in the top European competitions. After they surprisingly took the lead in the first half, Manchester United equalised quickly after the restart and pressed for a winning goal.
Unfortunately unable to turn possession into goals, The Reds had to settle for extra time. Still confident, they were frustrated by Villarreal’s resolute defence. The spectre of penalties loomed large and Man Utd would pay the price as both teams executed their shots so well it went into sudden death and got as far as the goalkeepers taking a penalty. David de Gea missed his effort, setting off wild celebrations for Villareal supporters at the ground and back in Spain.
Summary
Penalties are a cruel way to decide the winners of a game, yet it’s never the victors who complain. For all teams’ dominance, if they can’t score at critical moments in big games there is always the chance it may come back to haunt them. An alternative to the scenario, known as Golden Goal, in which the next team to score would win the game is no longer in use.
It must be said, tensions run high during these shootouts. Having a bet on the outcome at a site like casinoigre can lead to even more excitement! If you as a fan think they are hard to watch, just imagine what the players are going through. The pressure can be immense and the fate of your country or beloved club could rest on their shoulders. You could be loved or hated in a matter of seconds. Some people attempt to be cheeky and try a panenka penalty. While it may look good it can be risky. Best to keep it nice and simple to ensure your name doesn’t go down in the history books in a bad way.
