Missed penalties never have been a pleasant memory but how many ever do come back to haunt the fans and players back ?
Here's my pick for the top 5 haunting penalty misses which the footballing world could never forget!
1. Roberto Baggio , Italy vs Brazil, 1994
On world football’s biggest and grandest stage, and the first World Cup ever to be decided on penalties, no better man than Roberto Baggio could have been selected to take the final penalty—as he had dazzled the world with his scintillating performance in the tournament. It was a dream end to the World Cup, and Baggio’s performance, but the dream turned into the most haunting nightmare as he fired the shot over the bar!
2. John Terry , Chelsea vs Manchester United , 2008
On club football’s biggest and grandest stage, the European Champions League final, with Chelsea in front thanks to Ronaldo’s missed penalty, Chelsea skipper John Terry had the opportunity to lead his team to its first European title. It would have been a fitting tribute to the charismatic and resilient Blues leader, but he lost his footing and shot agonizingly wide off the right hand post. Manchester United capitalized and went on to win the trophy for a third time but since then, this has been a traumatizing memory for Terry.
3. David Beckham , England vs Portugal , 2004
The golden boy of English football, David Beckham was losing his sheen. In Euro 2004, after having missed two penalties in consecutive matches—against Turkey (he fell over) and against France (Fabien Barthez made the save)—he had a shot at redemption in the third match, the quarterfinals, against Portugal.
He was the chosen one to take the first of the penalties in the shoot-out and redeem himself in the eyes of his fans, but destiny wasn’t kind to him as his shot fired high and wide over the bar as England tumbled out of the Euros.
4. Martin Palermo , Argentina vs Colombia , 1999
How much worse could it get in a single match? Ask Martin Palermo! Poor guy missed three penalties in a single game against Colombia as Argentina crashed out of the Copa America, Latin America’s premier national tournament. One penalty miss...bad...two misses...worse...three misses...haunting experience really! No more comments!
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