Penalty shootout (association football)

Basic procedure and rules

In most competitions the procedure begins with a coin toss to decide which team kicks first and which goal will be used. Each team nominates five players to take alternating penalty kicks. The team scoring the most goals from these five attempts wins. If the score remains tied after the initial set of five kicks per side, the shootout proceeds to sudden-death kicks: teams continue to alternate single kicks until one team scores and the other does not. Only players who are on the field of play when the match ends are eligible to take kicks, and each eligible player may take only one kick until all other eligible teammates have taken one.

Common variations and experiments

While the traditional order is strictly alternating kicks (often called AB AB), competitions and governing bodies have tested alternative sequences to reduce any perceived advantage for the team kicking first. One such experiment used an ABBA order—similar to the serving pattern in tennis—to balance pressure between teams. Administrators also set detailed procedural rules covering goalkeeper movement, the position of players, time limits for kicks and what constitutes a successful attempt. Extra time preceding a shootout is sometimes eliminated in lower-level contests or early rounds, with rules varying by competition; see general rules on extra time here.

History and development

The penalty shootout replaced earlier, less satisfactory methods for resolving tied matches, such as replays, coin tosses, or drawing lots. Its adoption spread through cup competitions and international tournaments during the latter half of the twentieth century because it produces a decisive result on the day and is administratively practical for tournament schedules. Over time the format has been refined and accompanied by detailed guidance from football’s rule-makers and organizers.

Notable instances and cultural impact

Shootouts have produced some of the most dramatic and widely remembered moments in the sport. Several major finals have been decided by penalties, leaving a lasting impression on players and fans alike—for example, high-profile finals in recent decades have included decisions in the 1994 and 2006 World Cup finals and a Champions League final decided by spot kicks 1994 final, 2006 final and 2005 final. These events underline how the shootout combines technical skill, psychology and chance, and why its use continues to provoke debate among enthusiasts.

Uses, advantages and criticisms

Shootouts are principally used in knockout tournaments and cup ties where a single winner must advance. Their advantages include certainty of outcome, compact scheduling and a clearly defined contest that spectators can follow. Criticisms focus on the idea that they may not reflect the overall balance of play in the match and that they can place disproportionate weight on a small number of players. Organizers balance these factors when choosing competition formats, and some competitions use replays or other tie-breaking mechanisms instead of, or prior to, a shootout.