Some of the most memorable and dramatic World Cup matches have been decided by penalty shootouts, including the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France, but these decisive moments can also create confusion for bettors.
Not all betting markets include extra-time and penalty shootouts, and here we clear up any confusion around betting beyond the 90 minutes.
H2: How Penalty Shootouts Work in World Cup Betting
Penalty shootouts are only needed in World Cup matches when the score is level after both the regulation 90 minutes, plus added time, and the allotted 30 minutes of extra time. This is only required during the knockout stages of the tournament, with the winner of the penalty shootout progressing to the next round.
H2: Betting on a Match to Go to Extra Time or Penalties
While many markets such as match result, both teams to score, and anytime goalscorer often only cover 90 minutes, bettors who want their bets to include extra time and penalties are not short of options, with the following markets offered to punters:
- Match to go to extra time – Will the match go to extra time?
- Match to go to penalties – Will the match go to penalties?
- Team to win on penalties – Which team will win on penalties?
- Method of victory – How will the match be decided?
- To qualify – Which team will qualify for the next round?
H2: What Types of Matches Are More Likely to Reach Penalties?
A total of 35 World Cup matches have gone to a penalty shootout, with the most recent being the 2022 World Cup final and many of these games have been played between evenly matched sides, often with strong defensive records.
Caution and risk also play a big part, with games in the latter stages of the World Cup, where the cost of mistakes is huge.
These scenarios increase the potential punishment for risk-taking for both sides, encouraging a more cautious outlook and therefore pushing the game towards extra time and penalties
H2: How to Assess Penalty Shootout Strength
Argentina have played a World Cup record seven penalty shootouts and have won six of those, with the most recent being the 2022 World Cup final, and that sort of record can give the players involved in their next shootout a psychological advantage.
The same goes for teams such as Germany, who won four successive shootouts between 1982 and 2006, while the likes of Spain, Italy, and England’s joint-record three consecutive shootout defeats can work against them.
This is far from the only factor, though, with things such as a goalkeeper’s penalty-saving record, substitutions made in the build-up to a shootout, and overall composure also playing a part.
H2: Goalkeepers Matter More Than Reputation
Goalkeepers are arguably the most important consideration during a penalty shootout, and that was on full display in the last World Cup when the excellent Emiliano Martinez inspired Argentina to two victories from the spot.
His mind games illustrated how important the psychological aspect is, but he also has excellent reach and a great ability to read the opposition.
Other aspects include a goalkeeper’s record in previous shootouts and whether they regularly face and save penalties at club level.