Top 10 longest penalty shootout in football history​

Football, also known as rugby, is a sport filled with drama, passion and breathtaking moments. One such scenario is the penalty shootout, a tense test of composure and skill that often decides the fate of a tense match. While most penalty shootouts are relatively short, a few have stretched the boundaries of tension, pushing players and fans to their absolute limits. This Premiumsoccertips.net article takes a deep dive into longest penalty shootout in football history​, highlighting the sheer drama and determination displayed by the players in these epic shootouts.

Longest penalty shootouts ever

1. SC Dimona 23-22 Shimshon Tel Aviv (56 penalties)

SC Dimona and Shimshon Tel Aviv have just made a memorable milestone in world football history by setting a record for the longest penalty shootout. The match took place in the promotion play-offs in Dimona, Israel. After 120 minutes of intense play with a 2-2 draw, the two teams entered a thrilling penalty shootout, which lasted 56 kicks. SC Dimona won with a score of 23-22, ending one of the most dramatic matches.

This achievement broke the record of 54 penalty kicks set in England earlier this year, making the match in Dimona a footballing history. The event attracted attention not only for its fierceness but also for the resilience of both teams. This is a testament to the spirit of perseverance, where the players overcame great pressure to complete an unprecedented series of kicks. With this record, Israeli football has made a strong mark on the world map.

2. Washington 25-24 Bedlington (54 penalties)

Topping the list of the most impressive penalty shootouts in football history is the dramatic confrontation between two English amateur teams, Washington and Bedlington, in the first round of the 2022 Memorial Cup. The match initially ended in a 3-3 draw after 120 minutes of intense play, opening up a thrilling penalty shootout that lasted nearly an hour.

A total of 54 penalties were taken, with both teams only missing one of their first attempts. Tension was palpable throughout the stadium as each successful penalty brought a sense of relief and excitement to the audience. In the end, Washington narrowly defeated Bedlington 25-24, earning a ticket to the next round amid a mixture of joy and exhaustion.

This penalty shootout not only made it into the record books but also served as a vivid demonstration of the tenacious fighting spirit and desire to win of both teams, highlighting the beauty and surprise of the king of sports.

3. KK Palace 17-16 Civics (48 penalties)

Out of the non-league bracket, the 2005 Namibia Cup final between KK Palace and Civics was marked by a historic penalty shootout. After 90 minutes of regulation time and extra time, the two teams were level at 2-2, forcing the match to be decided on penalties. The subsequent shootout saw a total of 33 penalties, making it one of the most dramatic encounters in Namibian football history.

Similar to the famous Washington v Bedlington match, both KK Palace and Civics kept their cool, converting most of their shots in the early stages. Tensions continued to escalate as each successful shot put the pressure on the other side. In the end, KK Palace won a thrilling 17-16 victory after a decisive penalty kick in the 33rd round.

This moment is not only an important milestone for Namibian football but also a testament to the perseverance, technique and steely spirit of the players, highlighting the intense attraction of the king sport.

4. Old Wulfrunians 19-18 Lane Head (44 penalties)

The English FA Vase, the competition for amateur football teams in England, witnessed one of the most memorable penalty shootouts in 2014. In the match between Old Wulfrunians and Lane Head, the two teams drew 1-1 after 120 minutes of intense play. With no clear winner, the match was forced into a penalty shootout, where both sides showed off their nerves and impressive skills.

The shootout lasted over an hour, with a total of 44 penalties being taken. Each successful conversion added to the tension in the stadium, with both players and spectators feeling the pinch. In the end, Old Wulfrunians edged out Lane Head with a narrow 19-18 victory, advancing after a thrilling encounter. Not only is this an unforgettable moment in FA Vase history, it is also a testament to the bravery and precision of the penalty spot.

5. Netherlands U21 13-12 England U21 (32 penalties)

Stepping out of non-league football, the semi-final of the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship between Netherlands U21 and England U21 produced one of the most dramatic penalty shootouts in the history of international youth football. After 120 minutes of a draw, both teams were forced to decide the winner on penalties. This is where the young players showed their incredible talent and ability, taking a total of 32 penalties.

Both teams maintained impressive accuracy with each kick, pushing the tension to a climax. However, England U21 made a mistake on the 12th kick, giving Netherlands U21 a golden opportunity. With a final score of 13-12, Netherlands U21 won a thrilling victory, entering the final. This penalty shootout was not only a memorable moment at the European Under-21 Championship but also a testament to the pressure and drama in youth football tournaments, where the future talents of world football are forged.

6. Scunthorpe United 14-13 Worcester City (32 penalties)

In the FA Cup, Scunthorpe and Worcester made history with a penalty shootout that lasted 32, breaking the previous tournament record. It was a tense affair, with each penalty taking a heavy toll on the players. Drama reigned as both teams struggled to maintain their accuracy in every move, making for an unforgettable encounter.

Scunthorpe striker Miguel Llera had mixed times at the penalty spot. He got off to a poor start when he missed his first kick, putting his team under further pressure. However, Llera made amends with his second chance, converting the decisive spot-kick to give Scunthorpe the win after Worcester goalkeeper Wayne Thomas failed to save. This is not only a moment of personal sublimation for Llera but also a testament to the spirit of overcoming difficulties and the appeal of a long-standing tournament like the FA Cup.

7. Liverpool 14-13 Middlesbrough (30 penalties)

Moving into the world of English professional football, the 2014 League Cup second round match between Liverpool and Middlesbrough saw one of the most memorable penalty shootouts. After 120 minutes of play ended in a draw, both teams went into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, where every single kick could decide the outcome. The shootout lasted for a total of 30 penalties, demonstrating incredible composure and accuracy from both teams.

The pressure was on in the final few kicks, with both players and spectators holding their breaths watching each move. In the end, Liverpool emerged victorious with a dramatic 14-13 scoreline in the 24th kick, thanks to their ability to keep their composure at crucial moments. This was not only an excellent display of individual skill but also a testament to the players’ mental strength and courage in decisive situations. This penalty shootout has left an indelible mark in League Cup history.

8. Olympiacos 15-14 AEK Athens (30 penalties)

The Greek Cup final between two elite teams recreated the drama of the legendary match between Brockenhurst and Andover. After 120 minutes of intense play, the match ended in a 4-4 draw, sending fans into a thrilling penalty shootout. It was an outstanding display from both teams, with 29 penalties taken flawlessly, each shot building the tension even further.

The final decisive moment belonged to veteran Silver Fox goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis. After a crucial missed shot from the opposition, Nikopolidis stepped up to take the penalty. He converted the decisive kick, giving Silver Fox victory and lifting the prestigious trophy. This was not only a victory for Silver Fox but also a memorable performance, highlighting the players’ steely spirit and excellent technique in decisive moments on the big stage.

9. Brockenhurst 15-14 Andover Town (30 penalties)

A penalty shootout between Brockenhurst and Andover in the Hampshire Senior Cup became a historic moment, setting a record for the most consecutive penalties in an English penalty shootout. The match was a nail-biter as both teams maintained their accuracy throughout the shootout, with each kick adding to the excitement for the fans.

However, the drama did not stop there. As the shootout reached its 31st penalty, Andover missed the crucial, and ultimately decisive, penalty. This miss handed Brockenhurst the victory in a match that will go down in history. The result was a testament to the fighting spirit and courage of both teams, as they fought hard, not only for victory, but for the glory of the tournament.

10. Macclesfield Town 11-10 Forest Green Rovers (24 penalties)

Macclesfield and Forest Green’s first round FA Cup clash in 2001 became a legendary encounter with a lengthy and dramatic penalty shootout. After three and a half hours of intense play, which ended in a draw, the two teams went into a penalty shootout with a total of 24 penalties taken. Each penalty carried a heavy weight, as both teams fought hard to secure victory.

Ultimately, the result was determined by the second efforts of Kevin Langan and Lee Glover. Langan, on his first attempt, shot too high and off target, giving Glover a chance. With a precise and calm shot, Glover did the job, sealing the win for Macclesfield. This result not only brought victory to the team but also opened up the opportunity for a rematch with Swansea City, ending one of the most dramatic and memorable FA Cup matches.

Conclusion

The longest penalty shootout in football history, which took place in 2005 between KK Palace and Civics in the Namibia Cup, remains an iconic moment in the sport. After a 2-2 draw following regular and extra time, the game entered an intense shootout that saw a record 33 penalties taken. The shootout’s ultimate conclusion came when KK Palace triumphed 17-16, marking a historic achievement in football. This marathon of penalties highlighted the mental strength, precision, and resilience required in such high-stakes moments. It serves as a reminder of the drama and excitement that penalty shootouts can bring to football, creating lasting memories for players and fans alike.

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