The ten deadliest players from 12 yards at this summer’s World Cup.
Ever since the USA 1994, when the World Cup final was decided on spot kicks for the first time, country’s have made taking penalties a serious part of their training regime in preparation for the dreaded outcome. And below is a list of the ten deadliest strikers of the ball from the spot at the World Cup this summer.
10 Felipe Caicedo – Ecuador
The central American’s best chance at making a name for themselves at the tournament may come down to pure luck with a few spot kicks thrown in for good measure. And should they be awarded any, the man to take them will most likely by former Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo, who notched all four of Ecuador’s penalties during qualification.
9. Steven Gerrard – England
One thing England are not famous for is their success from the penalty spot, and though he hasn’t always proved a success in an England shirt before, but he will undoubtedly be the man to step up and take the chance should he be called upon this month. Furthermore, he has scored ten spot kicks for Liverpool this year, more than many other clubs combined, so his confidence from the spot will be higher than most if he is required.
8. Mesut Ozil – Germany
In reality, any of the German squad could step up and adequately take a spot kick, but it is the Arsenal playmaker who has been appointed as the side’s designated penalty taker. He missed a few for Arsenal this season, and Philipp Lahm, Thomas Muller and Miroslav Klose all have strong cases to take a German penalty, but Ozil has been their first choice for several years now. He converted all three of Germany’s penalties during qualification, and will be the man with the responsibility in Brazil.
7. Yaya Toure – Ivory Coast
The younger Toure brother has been somewhat of a deadfall tour de force this season and will surely be the Elephant’s first port of call when it comes to free kicks as well as those from 12 yards. He has netter all six penalties that the Premier League champions have bestowed upon him this term, displaying a confident mix of placement and power that will make him an absolute certainty to step up when needed.
6. Eden Hazard – Belgium
Despite Belgium having an awe-inspiring front line for the tournament, it will be the nippy wide man that will surely be tasked with converting their spot kicks. Bagging four from four in the Premier League and chalked up Belgium’s sole penalty during qualifying, as well as a crucial strike against PSG in the Champions League, Hazard has proved himself to be a threat from the spot.
5. Luis Suarez – Uruguay
Suarez has been in epic form for Liverpool this season and will likely be Uruguay’s number one choice to convert their spot kicks – if he is fit in time to play! Gerrard has taken the bulk of Liverpool’s penalties this season, but the controversial star has proved himself no slouch from 12 yards, though he may have to fight the imposing Edinson Cavani for the rights.
4. Robin Van Persie – Netherlands
RVP may well have taken a backseat to Wayne Rooney in the penalty taking duties at Old Trafford, but that hasn’t meant that he is any less deadly. He scored penalties for fun whilst at Arsenal, and continued that into his first season at United. Bagged two spot kicks for Holland during qualifying. Hasn’t missed since facing Real Sociedad in November.
3. Lionel Messi – Argentina
Messi will no doubt be the main man for Argentina this summer as he frequently is for club and country anyway. Smashed home all three of the spot kicks he took the national team during qualification and rarely misses when he takes them for Barcelona either. Blessed with unflappable confidence and a sharpshooter’s eye.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal
Ronnie notched up six strikes from the spot during his side’s La Liga campaign, and topped oof the season by notching one in the Champions League final against cross-city neighbours Atletico. England fans will remember his penalty prowess from both Euro 2004 and the World Cup in 2006, when Ronaldo spot kicks sent the Three Lions home. Just as comfortable taking free kicks and corners, it’s fair to say that he will have Portugal’s dead ball situations under control.
1. Mario Balotelli – Italy
The self-styled ‘Mr 100%’ had never missed a penalty until last season when he did so twice for AC Milan. Before that, though, he had bagged 26 in a row, failing to miss a single one for either Inter Milan or Manchester City, and has a technical brilliance and a cocksure strut that puts him at a psychological advantage. England fans will also remember him for scoring Italy’s first spot kick during the shootout at Euro 2012.
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