World Cup Players' Penalty Kick Patterns In the remaining World Cup games, it may all come down to a penalty kick, either in regulation or if a game cannot be decided in 120 minutes. During these high-tension moments, a penalty taker basically has two options: shoot left or shoot right (or go down the middle if he is bold). Whether a goalie successfully makes a save is based on how he guesses, and how he guesses is at least partially based on the shooters’ tendencies. Here is a look at the past penalty patterns and success rates--both at the club and national levels--of many of the key players left in the 2014 World Cup.

Players by shot direction Trend Left Trend Right Kicks by team affiliation National Team Club Team Clear Goal Saved by goalie Saved Hit post Post Missed

Kicker: name Success rate: 80% (8/10) Shot distribution: Left: 80% (8/10) Center: 80% (8/10) Right: 80% (8/10)