Lionel Messi missed a crucial penalty against Iceland recently which would have given his side the victory. Penalty misses in World Cups can prove costly. But don’t worry Leo, you’re not alone.
A penalty kick seems easy at the first glance, but that is before the emotions and pressure kick in. Especially in those high-octane moments when so much is at stake on that kick, the composure and calmness are hard to maintain.
Over the years the pressure has got the better of numerous players who have failed to convert from twelve yards. Here are 5 unforgettable penalty misses in World Cup history.
5. David Trezeguet – France vs Italy, 2006
- The 2006 World Cup last was settled on punishments after neither one of the sides could grab a champ. Inescapable on individual needs to shoulder the brunt in a shootout yet nobody figured it would be Trezeguet.
- He was one of Europe’s best strikers at the ideal opportunity for Juventus. The shootout was 2-1 for Italy and Trezeguet needed to level the score. Notwithstanding, he cannoned his strike off the crossbar to give the Azzurri the favorable position.
- Every other person changed over their spot-kicks and Fabio Grosso scored the clincher to hand Italy the trophy. A completely pulverizing minute for the Frenchman.
4.Michel Platini – France vs Brazil, 1986
- Platini was at the peak of his powers in the 1980s and he had helped France win the European Championships in 1984.
- In the 1986 World Cup, he was playing despite an injury. Though he was nowhere near his best, he was still an important player for the Les Blues. The quarter-final against Brazil went to penalties.
- Brazil missed their first penalty and Platini had a chance to make the score 4-3 in favour of France and put the Selecao on the brink. Instead, he blazed his effort way over the crossbar to level the shootout.
- Fortunately for him, Brazil missed immediately and Luiz Fernandez converted to hand France the victory. But Platini’s penalty was not forgotten, for better or worse.
3. Zico – Brazil vs France, 1986
- The 1986 Brazil side is ostensibly truly outstanding to not win the World Cup. The confronted France in the quarter-finals in Mexico.
- The score was tied at 1-1 and Brazil required remark them into life. Zico, their charm fell off the seat and gave that start. The playmaker right away won a punishment and he assumed the liability too.
- His exertion was spared and the match went to punishments where France won. Had Zico changed over his spot-kick things could have changed fundamentally.
2. Asamoah Gyan – Ghana vs Uruguay, 2010
- The quarter-final clash between Ghana and Uruguay in 2010 was one to remember. Ghana were aiming to become the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup and they were up against a tough Uruguay side.
- The score was 1-1 as extra time drew to a close and penalties seemed inevitable. Penalties were required, but not before some tremendous drama.
- Luis Suarez handled the ball on the goal line to prevent Ghana from scoring and he was duly sent off as the African side got a penalty to win it in the 120th minute.
- Asamoah Gyan stepped up in unexpected circumstances and his shot struck the woodwork. The match went to penalties and the Ghanaians succumbed, perhaps never quite recovering from Gyan’s miss.
- After the match, Gyan said, “I would say Suarez is a hero now in his own country because the ball was going in and he held it with his hand. He is a hero now.”
1.Roberto Baggio – Italy vs Brazil, 1994
- Baggio had a fabulous World Cup in the USA, scoring five objectives to lead his side to the last. In the last, they confronted Brazil, who were hoping to win their fourth title, much the same as the Azzurri themselves.
- The last itself neglected to inspire, as either side neglected to break the halt in control and additionally additional time. Hence, punishments started.
- Franco Baresi missed for Italy yet Santos did likewise for Brazil. After a few kicks, Daniele Massaro neglected to change over and Brazil celebrated. Dunga scored for the Selecao and it was sudden demise.