10 Jul 2018

The science behind the World Cup penalty shootout

From Afternoons, 1:25 pm on 10 July 2018

This World Cup hasn't disappointed when it comes to penalty shootouts - most of the upsets of the series have happened in those crucial extra minutes after the game. 

So much so, ahead of the semi-final games, there's been analysis at London School of Economics over whether this nailing-biting part of football is truly skill or luck. 

Here to explain the science of the penalty shootout is creator of the Squeaky Bum Time podcast, and afternoons producer, Emile Donovan.

Russian fans watch the quarter-final football match between Russia and Croatia on a giant screen in Saint Petersburg on July 7, 2018 during the Russia 2018 football World Cup.

Photo: AFP or licensors

Get the RNZ app

for easy access to all your favourite programmes

Subscribe to Afternoons

Podcast (MP3) Oggcast (Vorbis)