In the realm of football, few events ignite as much debate as a penalty shootout. The tension inherent in these moments was vividly exemplified during the last-32 matches on Monday.
Germany was the first team at this World Cup to experience the harsh reality of penalties, as Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah all failed to convert their kicks, resulting in a surprising win for Paraguay. The Netherlands, familiar with the heartbreak of shootout losses, followed suit, faltering against Morocco, who seized the opportunity.
This defeat via penalties marked an unprecedented moment for Germany, as they had never exited a World Cup in this manner since the introduction of penalty kicks in 1982. Following the match, reports emerged detailing a troubling scenario: midfield player Leon Goretzka and defenders Waldemar Anton, Nathaniel Brown, and Malick Thiaw reportedly opted out of taking penalties, leaving the responsibility to Tah, who had never attempted one professionally. His missed kick ultimately led to Germany’s elimination.
This incident has raised serious questions regarding the preparedness of German head coach Julian Nagelsmann, with many commentators criticizing the absence of a predetermined penalty order.
Pochettino’s Methodical Approach
In contrast, US head coach Mauricio Pochettino has a markedly different strategy. In an interview on Tuesday, he revealed that his coaching staff has collaborated with an external firm to analyze penalty kicks and set pieces extensively. While he has a preferred order for penalty takers, he was cautious about revealing too much detail.
“I don’t want to talk too much,” Pochettino stated. “But I think we are working [with outside help] because as a coaching staff we believe we can provide some tools to the players to be better and to improve, [to equip] the players to try and find the best way to face this type of situation, while knowing that it is impossible to replicate the emotional stress and the pressure and expectation that they are going to feel.”
Pochettino emphasized the importance of the coaching staff’s role in determining the order of penalty takers. “It is going to be [the coaching staff’s] decision, the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. We try to arrive in this moment and not ask the player if he feels confident or not confident.” he explained.
About 18 months ago, Pochettino and his staff formed a working group aimed at enhancing player performance during set pieces. They partnered with two companies: Neuro11 and Trackman.
Neuro11’s approach includes real-time EEG tracking, which monitors brainwaves, and has previously collaborated with Liverpool FC for set-piece coaching under Jürgen Klopp. Their innovative method involves fitting players with a helmet-like device while they take penalties, demonstrated in a video from Liverpool in 2023.
Trackman provides detailed insights into ball movement using radar and sensor data. US midfielder Sebastian Berhalter noted that Trackman had significantly improved his set piece delivery, contributing to his selection for the World Cup roster.
USMNT’s Preparation for Pressure
As the US team gears up for their last-32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Bay Area on Wednesday, penalties have become a focal point of their practice sessions. Many players observed Monday’s shootouts together. Notably, the USMNT has never faced a penalty shootout in World Cup competition, and their history is largely devoid of critical moments involving penalty kicks, apart from Brad Friedel’s memorable save against South Korea in 2002.
“It is an extremely hard thing to do, go up and take penalties,” midfielder Christian Pulisic remarked at PayPal Park, the current training base for the USMNT. “For the people that go up and shoot it takes a lot of courage and it is not easy. Goalkeepers get better and better every year … The guys who feel the most confident to shoot will want to go up and shoot. I think that’s normal. There’ll be some players that don’t practice them as much and don’t feel good, I don’t think that’s necessarily a big problem. I feel it’s a pretty brave, courageous team, and I feel guys will give it a go.”
The US squad includes several skilled penalty takers, with Pulisic leading the charge. The 28-year-old has successfully converted all seven of his attempts with the national team and is similarly reliable at the club level with Milan. Forward Ricardo Pepi has also shown exceptional accuracy, having not missed a penalty since transitioning from MLS in 2022, while Haji Wright has scored 17 out of 19 attempts over the past seven years. Additionally, Folarin Balogun has also contributed significantly.
However, beyond the main penalty takers, uncertainty lingers. US defender Chris Richards humorously addressed the question of taking a penalty.
“I’m a defender for a reason, man,” Richards joked. “We try to not think about the worst-case scenario … In training, though, we prepare for everything, whether it’s penalty kicks or [extra time], we try and not leave any stone unturned. For us it’s just about approaching this game with confidence but also understanding that things don’t always go your way, so be prepared for everything.”
Analyzing Penalty Techniques
The different styles of penalty taking witnessed in the recent shootouts also deserve attention. Both matches featured unique techniques, such as stutter steps and unconventional run-ups. Some players attempted to kick across their bodies, leading to two shots hitting the post during the Netherlands and Morocco match.
The US team observed these various techniques, but many of their players appeared reluctant to modify their own styles. For Pulisic and his teammates, the idea of altering their approach at this late stage seemed implausible.
“I think everyone has their own style. I don’t think you watch and can take so much away, or try and change your style in one day,” Pulisic commented. “I don’t have too much attacking in me, so I’m just picking my spot and going with it,”
Richards added with a laugh, “I don’t have too much attacking in me, so I’m just picking my spot and going with it.”
