Top 5 penalty shoot-outs in World Cup history

Penalty shoot outs have often been the decider when two equal teams could not be separated in open play. Over the years, some of the greatest games have been decided from the spot. Some teams have triumphed while some were left in tears. Some players weretransformed into national icons while others becamethe villain ofthe nation. We take a look at the 5 most nerve-racking penalty shoot outs inWorld Cup history.

#5 Portugal vs England - 2006 quarter-final

In the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Portugal and England were drawn against each other in the quarter-final of the tournament.  Portugal’s squad boasted of world class players like Figo, Deco, Maniche and the sensational Cristiano Ronaldo. England themselves weren’t far away in terms of quality as they had Gerrard, Lampard, Joe Cole and Wayne Rooney in their ranks.

The match ended in a stalemate after normal time. Extra time was no different as both the nations failed to score the deciding goal of the match. The game went into a penalty shoot out.

Portugal began the shoot out on a positive note as Simao put his team in the lead from the first spot kick. It was Lampard’s turn to even things up but the Chelsea midfielder failed to get it past the Portuguese goalkeeper, Ricardo. Hugo Viana failed to extend Portugal’s lead as Robinson denied him.

Owen Hargreaves made it 1-1 from the next kick. Robinson again denied Portugal as Petit missed his chance and England were right back in it.

But Gerrard could not capitalize as Ricardo pulled off yet another save. Postiga scored while Carragher was denied by Ricardo who was putting up a sensational performance in the shoot out. Finally, Ronaldo stepped up from the spot to guide Portugal to the semis of the World Cup while England were sent home.