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Drama, action and endless nerves for players and fans alike, the World Cup got its first penalty shootout of 2010 as Paraguay overcame Japan. Heroes and villains were typically born during the theatre, but is it a fair way to decide a result?
Some players dread the walk from half way while others relish it.
After a slop of 120 minutes of football, Paraguay went unblemished from the spot for a 5-3 shootout win.
It was a poor game, featuring a defensive Japanese side and a Paraguayan side not entirely intent on attacking and struggling to break down the Asian side.
This Japan was a complete contrast to the impressive and quick outfit that easily overcame Denmark in its last group game.
But after 120 scoreless minutes, the shootout was the decider.
Paraguay’s Edgar Barreto slammed the first with power into the bottom corner.
Yasuhito Endo sent the keeper the wrong way.
Lucas Barrios just snuck his past the outstretched hand of Eiji Kawashima into the bottom corner.
Makoto Hasebe put his into the top corner – a spot becoming a dangerous target for the Japanese.
Cristian Riveros rolled his past Kawashima with a poise, elegance and confidence usually unseen.
Then, the moment of truth, Yuichi Komano hit the bar.
Nelson Valdez and Keisuke Honda exchanged blows, the latter with another rolling shot before Oscar Cardozo did the same to win it.
The obsession with the high penalty from Japan was unusual, particularly given the troubles with the Jabulani.
The dangers were realised, hitting the bar, with the other danger being it would be hit at an easy saving height for the goalkeeper.
The calmness of some of the takers to roll the ball with so little pace was unbelievable and maybe characteristically of the South American flair and confidence.
Cardozo was the hero, Komano the villain, but is it fair?
In the case of football, and more so this match, it was a fair way to decide a game that may not have ended otherwise.
But you’ll often hear the case where ‘neither team deserved to lose’.
Football has got it right.
The best players step up – the best shootout keepers make themselves count – and nerves of steel are the successor.
The drama accompanying the shootout, the edge of the seat theatre may not be fair, but it is the best way to end an encounter that couldn’t be decided in two hours of play.
Is there a better way?
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