Five of the best Panenka penalties ever

niall 00:57 24/01/2015
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    • Andrea Pirlo tucks the ball past England goalkeeper Jo Hart at Euro 2012. His 'Panenka' penalty ranks as one of the most glorious attempts in history.

    Following Omar Abdulrahman's spectacular 'Panenka' penalty against Japan in the Asian Cup quarter-final, we showcase five of the best similar efforts.

    Zinedine Zidane (France) – World Cup 2006


    Perhaps one of the most famous 'Panenka' penalties in history. This was the moment Zidane put his country 1-0 ahead in the World Cup final in 2006, before being sent off for sinking his head into Marco Materazzi's chest. France would go on to lose that particular final, but Zidane's nonchalant effort will always be remembered. 

    Francesco Totti (Italy) – Euro 2000 


    In the European Championship semi-finals against Holland, Totti scored a majestic 'Panenka' against Edwin van der Sar. At this stage of the shootout, Holland had missed their opening two penalties, so little pressure was on Totti to deliver for the Azzurri.

    Andrea Pirlo (Italy) – Euro 2012

    With such a deft touch, Pirlo spooned the ball over a stranded Jo Hart in the Euro 2012 quarter final against England. It is considered one of the most memorable kicks of this era, due to the sheer calmness of the strike in such a gripping contest. 

    Sebastian Abreu (Uruguay) – World Cup 2010

    It doesn't make for easy reading when looking at the number of clubs Sebastian has played for during his professional career – 20 to be precise – but his fearless effort in the World Cup against Ghana spoke volumes about the confidence of the striker.

    Omar Abdulrahman (UAE) – Asian Cup 2015


    The star man of the Asian Cup stepped up to slip an audacious penalty over Japan's Eiji Kawashima. This changed the dynamic of the shoot-out as UAE went on to beat Japan and qualify for the semi-finals.

    Omar's penalty will be long remembered due to the timing of the strike in such a significant contest.

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