What makes the perfect World Cup shootout penalty?

Twenty-three nations have competed in penalty shootouts during World Cups (up until 2010) since being introduced for the 1978 tournament, but were not needed in Argentina. Germany, France, Argentina and Italy have taken part in the most (four each).

Prior to 2014, European teams had won four of their 10 shootouts against countries from other continents. Michel Platini missed against Brazil in 1986 but France went through. Germany have won twice against non-European opposition and Bulgaria once.

The last seven shootouts (prior to the 2014 World Cup) have been won by the team going first. Diego Forlan scored the opening kick when Uruguay beat Ghana in 2010. The last team to win when going second were Spain against Republic of Ireland in 2002.

Of the opening 10 kicks, the eighth penalty has been missed most often with just 55% being scored (up to the end of the 2010 World Cup). England defender Jamie Carragher added to the list of misses when his effort against Portugal was saved in 2006.

Two World Cup finals have been decided on penalties, with Italy forward Roberto Baggio's famous miss in 1994 giving the trophy to Brazil. Italy tasted glory 12 years later though with a shootout win against France.

Baggio would later admit in his autobiography 'A Goal In The Sky' that: "it affected me for years. It was the worst moment of my career. I still dream about it. If I could erase a moment from my career, it would be that one."

Prior to 2014 Italy and England shared the record for the most penalties missed in World Cup shootouts. Both nations have missed seven times, though England's strike-rate is worse. They have missed seven of 14, with Italy scoring 13 of their 20.

Belgium, Paraguay and South Korea all hold a 100% record in shootouts - scoring five out of five kicks. Switzerland are the only country to miss every penalty they have taken in a shootout. They were beaten 3-0 by Ukraine in 2006.

It is not just fans in the ground who are affected by the outcome of a penalty shootout. Crowds of people worldwide suffer the agony and ecstasy. Thousands of Uruguay fans packed the streets of Montevideo to celebrate their win against Ghana in 2010.

There is nothing quite like losing a shootout, for fans or players alike. Prior to 2014, 18.6% of all knockout World Cup matches since 1982 had been decided by the dreaded spot-kicks….and we have already seen more elation and misery in Brazil.