The Cruel Game of Penalties
The Cruel Game of Penalties
- By Oliver Sparrow
Your time has come, my son.
Toil and sweat. Stretch and sinew. For this.
Lottery.
Now is not the time for hiding.
Now is the time for shining.
Limelight.
It’s a long, lonely walk.
Tired legs, heavy boots.
Cannonball.
Crowd baying, brothers praying.
Eyes front, stony stare.
Confidence.
Twelve yards. Twelve miles.
Ball nestled in crispy paint.
Retreat.
Stage set, eyes met.
Deathly hush, deep breath.
Relax.
Target acquired, decision made.
Gaze shifts, muscles remember.
Attack.
Studs entrenched, arm swung back.
Thigh thumps, leather on leather.
Apprehension.
Eruption.
Penalties - a word that few England supporters relish. They have long been a source of much anguish at major tournaments, with England having one of the most wretched records in World football. They were knocked out on penalties at World Cup 2006, Euro 2004, World Cup 1998 and Euro 1996 by Portugal (twice), Argentina and Germany respectively. In fact, England have a feeble win record of 17% in penalty shoot-outs at major competitions, having won only once in six attempts.
