Back
Qualification image

70 days to go: Shootout stops

FIFA counts down to the World Cup 2026 with a daily statistical story.

Seventy penalties have been saved in World Cup shootouts. Shootouts were introduced for Argentina 1978, but the first one unfolded following an epic 3-3 draw in the Spain 1982 semi-finals. France goalkeeper Jean-Luc Ettori saved the first spot-kick shootout by repelling an attempt from Uli Stielike, though West Germany went on to prevail 5-4.

Croatia's Dominik Livakovic saves a penalty during the round of 16 match between Japan and Croatia at Qatar 2022 Croatia's Dominik Livakovic saves a penalty during the round of 16 match between Japan and Croatia at Qatar 2022

West Germany’s Toni Schumacher, Sergio Goycochea of Argentina and Croatia duo Danijel Subasic and Dominik Livakovic share the record for four saves in shootouts. Portugal’s Ricardo, Subasic and Livakovic are the only men to stop three in one shootout, having done so against England in 2006, Denmark in 2018 and Japan in 2022 respectively.

Goycochea is the only goalkeeper to make two shootout-settling saves. ‘El Vasco’ denied Yugoslavia’s Faruk Hadzibegic to settle a quarter-final and Italy’s Aldo Serena to win a semi in 1990.

Sergio Goycochea saves a penalty for Argentina 1990 World Cup Semi-Final, Naples, Italy, 3rd July, 1990, Argentina 1 v Italy 1, (Argentina win 4-3 on penalties), Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Goycochea dives to save Roberto Donadoni's penalty in the shoot-out (Photo by Bob Thomas Sports Photography via Getty Images)

Tim Kul wrote arguably the most famous shootout hero story in World Cup history. He was sent on by Louis van Gaal just 45 seconds before the referee ended the second half of extra time, and duly denied two Costa Rica attempts to propel the Netherlands into the semi-finals.