penalty shootouts
Match-ending spot kicks
Penalty shootouts are the tiebreaker method in soccer when a match must produce a winner but remains drawn after extra time.
Each team takes alternating penalty kicks, typically five per side, with the team scoring more declared the winner.
If still tied, sudden-death rounds continue until one team scores and the other misses: The match went to penalty shootouts after a goalless draw.
The format creates dramatic tension, reducing team sport to individual moments under extreme pressure.
- nervesTense apprehension
- pressure cookerSealed pot using steam
- sudden deathInstant-win tiebreaker format
- goalkeeperNet-defending player
- kickerOne who boots balls
decider · feinting · focus · spot-kick · tiebreaker · clinch · saves · misses · tension · bottom corner · composure · pressure · mental toughness · anticipation · stadium atmosphere · knockout rounds · strikers · twelve yards
- nail-biterscliffhangers, thrillers, photo finishes, buzzer beaters, down to the wire
- competitionscontests, tournaments, match, matches, game
- Cup CompetitionsFA Cup, knockout rounds, knockout stage, cup run, final
penalty shootoutsextra time
Period after a draw
golden goal · decisive victory · replay · blowout · aggregate score
penalty, shootout, penalize, penalized, penalizing, penalization, penal, shoot, shot