Penalty Shootouts Highlight High Pressure and Drama in World Cup Knockouts
Penalty shootouts have been a decisive and dramatic feature of World Cup knockout stages since their introduction in 1982, often involving intense psychological pressure on players. Iconic moments include misses by renowned players like Zico and Roberto Baggio, and goalkeepers' strategic mind games. Experts highlight the anxiety and high stakes involved, with shootouts determining outcomes in recent tournaments, including Morocco's and Paraguay's victories in the 2022 round of 32 and Argentina's 2022 final win over France.