Germany 's defeat to Paraguay in the penalty shootout sent shockwaves through the football world, as a team always considered "invincible" in penalty shootouts had lost, marking their first ever penalty shootout loss at a World Cup.
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Jose Canale scored the winning goal, sending Paraguay into the round of 16 and eliminating Germany from the tournament. Photo: AP |
Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah all failed to convert their penalty kicks for Germany after the match ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.
The Paraguayan players were under immense pressure after losing their two-goal lead in the penalty shootout, before Jose Canale scored the winning goal to send his team into the round of 16 and eliminate Germany from the tournament.
According to Geir Jordet, professor of football and psychology at the Norwegian School of Sports Science and author of the book "Pressure: Lessons from the Psychology of Penalty Shootouts," penalty shootouts are one of the ultimate tests of mental strength and preparation. "The best penalty takers are experts, those who have practiced for years to perfect their shot. This skill always has a technical element – how to shoot the ball to the desired position," he said in a press interview just before Germany's elimination from the tournament.
In writing his book, Jordet studied over 100 penalty shootouts, totaling more than 700 penalties. He suggests techniques such as visualizing the situation, self-talk, and pre-shoot habits that can be helpful. “Players can do many different things to control the situation and not allow the opponent to dictate the course of events. For example, restarting if the goalkeeper becomes too agitated or aggressive, or making sure to take a short break and breathe deeply after the referee gives the signal,” Jordet explains.
However, ultimately, penalty kicks are a battle of wits and skill between the taker and the goalkeeper. “Those who take responsibility and fail deserve our utmost respect, because they truly gave their all in this crucial moment, and not many people can do that under the immense pressure of a World Cup ,” Jordet assessed.
Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/the-thao/worldcup-2026/ap-luc-luan-luu-1046887
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