World Cup glory could all come down to penalties. What’s the best strategy?

As the knockout stages begin, penalties are inevitable. What do the stats say about the best ways to take them?

The 2022 World Cup final was a nail-biting affair, decided by a penalty shootout after Argentina and France were evenly matched with three goals apiece. Argentina subsequently won 4-2 on penalties, taking the title.

Even outside penalty shootouts, a single spot kick can easily decide the outcome of a game at a World Cup, making any advantage in taking a penalty crucial. So what can we learn about the best strategy for penalty kicks from statistics and research?

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