Confidence And Mind Games Are Very Important In Penalty Competition

JAKARTA In football, the penalty shootout round is called the most stressful moment. In this phase, not only need players with qualified skills, but also the executive's mental readiness and confidence.

Indonesia made history after eliminating a strong South Korean team in the quarter-finals of the U23 Asian Cup, through a tense match at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Friday (26/4/2024) early morning WIB.

Coming as a debutant team, the team initiated by Shin Tae-yong managed to silence the doubters by walking into the semifinals. Not only that, but Garuda Muda also opened up opportunities to qualify for the first Olympics since 1956.

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But Indonesia's struggle to repatriate South Korea was not easy. Twice led, twice the Hwang Sun-hong team gave up the advantage of the Red and White team. The penalty shootout was also carried out to determine who qualified for the next stage.

According to research, self-confidence and mentality have an important role - although not the only determinant in the success of scoring goals from the spot.

Lionel Messi became the first kicker in the penalty shootout in the 2016 Copa America final against Cile. At that time, the heavy burden was on La Pulga's shoulder. He seemed to be the only person who had the obligation to lead Albicelestejuara to prove that he was the greatest of all time (GOAT) in fact.

Understandably, Messi had previously lost twice in a row in the final of an international tournament with Argentina. First at the 2014 World Cup against Germany, then the 2015 Copa America against Cile.

With such high expectations, Messi's shot from the penalty spot was far from expectations. His left foot kick deviated over the bar, and Albicelesetalah 2-4 after a 120-minute goalless draw.

Back to South Korea's match against Indonesia. During the penalty shootout, from 12 opportunities there was one Garuda Muda player who failed to tear Baek Jong-bum's net, namely Arkhan Fikri. He became the sixth executor, after five previous kickers had succeeded.

Arkhan's shot went wide to the right side of South Korea's goal, even though if he had succeeded, Indonesia would take the lead because of the previous opponent's kick, Ernando Ari managed to thwart it.

Quoting Goral Soccer, in a penalty shootout round full of risks, self-confidence can be a determinant between victory and defeat. The penalty kick in football is the real test of mental abilities and strength.

The ability to execute kicks calmly is the difference between players with capable skills and other players. There is a possibility that players who have the ability and calm are more successful in penalty execution.

"A penalty shootout is a battle of courage and accuracy, where skills are superior to luck. This is the culmination of years of training, honing techniques to produce perfectly executed shots," wrote Goral Soccer.

Mental forces to remain calm under pressure and the ability to consistently achieve targets that ultimately determine results.

Ernando Ari received special attention after the quarter-finals. His appearance under the crossbar deserves thumbs up. Persebaya Surabaya's mainstay goalkeeper recorded two South Korean penalties executed by Kang Sang-yun and Lee Kang-hee. In addition, he also scored one goal.

In a tense penalty shootout, Ernando's dance after parrying off his opponent's strike caught the eye. The 22-year-old player is considered to have imitated Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's action in the 2022 World Cup final.

Before Argentina's match against France, the public discussed competition between two stars, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. But at the end of the match, the name that stole the show was Emiliano Martinez.

After failing to stem Mbappe's strike, Martinez did not allow the two kickers LesBleus Badminton, Kingsley Coman and Auerelien Tchouameni, to tear through the road.

Not only the ability to read the direction of the ball and its reflex has become a topic of conversation, but Martinez is also said to be doing a "crazy" mind game.

In the penalty area, he was always seen trying to disturb his opponent by throwing the ball away, asking the referee to put the ball in the right position, until dancing right in front of his opponent. After successfully parrying the opponent's shot, this 32-year-old player collided with a jump, something a goalkeeper rarely does.

According to Geir Jordet, a professor from the Norwegian School of Sport Science, on his Twitter account wrote, "Martinez set the stage and took over the penalty area from the start" thanks to her mind game.

Goalkeepers almost never celebrated big after saving a penalty. Martinez shows something rare, "said Jordet again.

A lively and emotional celebration conveys certainty, domination, and supremacy that benefits teammates and harms opponents. Martinez's first rescue is fully exploited," he explained.

What Martinez did, was also carried out by Ernando, who openly idolized him. After Indonesia's friendly match against Argentina at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in June 2023, Ernando was determined to have a jersey with Martinez.

So, did Ernando's style when the drama on penalties deliberately imitated Martinez to bring down the opponent's mentality? It could be.

What is clear, currently Ernando has ambitions to follow in the footsteps of the idol who raised the trophy in the same country almost two years ago.

"We have to continue our journey and this is not the end. We want to be champions," said Ernando, as quoted from the official AFC website.