Very few moments in football carry the same pressure as a World Cup penalty shootout. After 120 minutes of action, an entire nation’s hopes can come down to just a handful of kicks from 12 yards out — creating some of the sport’s most beautiful memories and most painful scars.
Since penalty shootouts were introduced at the 1978 World Cup, 37 knockout matches have been decided by way of spot-kicks, with just three World Cup finals finishing with the so-called lottery that is penalties. Over that team, some teams have gained a reputation for being ruthless under pressure, whilst others have made a habit of succumbing to the occasion.
But which nations have been the most successful when matches have gone all the way to penalties?
Brazil — 3 Wins
Played:
5
Won:
3
Lost:
2
Years Won:
1994, 1998, 2014
Years Lost:
1986, 2022
With legends like Romario, Ronaldo Nazário and Rivaldo, it’s not hard to see how ‘A Seleção’ have won three out of their five total World Cup penalty shootouts. Their first win came in the final of the 1994 World Cup in the USA, after Daniele Massaro and Roberto Baggio missed both of Italy’s last two penalties to hand the win to Brazil, with the game finishing 0-0 after 120 minutes. And just four years later, it was through penalties in which they would secure their place in the final, after their match against the Netherlands ended 1-1 after extra time. Brazil netted all four of their penalties before Ronald de Boer missed the decisive kick.
Their most recent penalty victory came in the round of 16 at their home tournament in 2014, where, despite Willian and Hulk missing two of Brazil’s penalties, they still won after Chile could only convert twice from the spot.
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World Cup History Quiz
You scored
out of 20
Germany — 4 wins
REUTERS/Thomas Bohlen
Played:
5
Won:
4
Lost:
1
Years Won:
1982, 1986, 1990, 2006
Years Lost:
2026
*Including West Germany and Germany
The Germans took part in two of the first three penalty shootouts to ever happen at a World Cup, and won them both. After no games at the 1978 tournament required the use of penalties, West Germany’s 3-3 result against France in the semi-final of the 1982 World Cup, which features in our top 10 greatest matches in World Cup history, forced the first ever World Cup penalty shootout. And with both teams level with four penalties each, Maxime Bossis’ miss in sudden death set-up West Germany’s Horst Hrubesch to send his nation to the final.
Just four years later, West Germany whitewashed Mexico in the quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup, before dumping England out of Italia ’90 four years later. Their most recent success through penalties came at their home tournament in 2006, when conversions from Michael Ballack and Lukas Podolski saw them edge past Argentina.
Croatia — 4 wins
Played:
4
Won:
4
Lost:
0
Years Won:
2018 (x2), 2022 (x2)
Years Lost:
N/A
Whilst Croatia’s inclusion in this list may surprise some, they have won the most World Cup penalty shootouts without ever losing. What’s even stranger, is that all four wins came across just two consecutive tournaments. Their knockout journey at the 2018 World Cup in Russia started with a 3-2 victory on penalties over Denmark, before beating the hosts, who themselves had knocked Spain out of the tournament the round prior, with four penalties to Russia’s three.
Fast-forward to the very next tournament in Qatar, and they produced an almost identical run through the first two stages of the knockouts. Japan converted just once as Croatia sailed through to a quarter-final meeting with Brazil, during which missed spot-kicks by Rodrygo and Marquinhos ensured Croatia’s flawless shootout run remained intact.
Spain 2010, France 1998 or Brazil 1970? Who comes out on top?
Argentina — 6 wins
Action Images
Played:
7
Won:
6
Lost:
1
Years Won:
1990 (x2), 1998, 2014, 2022 (x2)
Years Lost:
2006
It makes sense that the team who have participated in the most World Cup penalty shootouts have also won the most. But the more shocking stat is that they have only lost one out of seven, an astonishing 85 per cent win rate. Their first two penalty shootouts came at the 1990 World Cup, where they defeated Yugoslavia in the quarter-finals, before bypassing hosts Italy in the semi-final.
In 1998, Hernán Crespo’s missed effort was canceled out by Paul Ince and David Batty after the pair failed to score two of England’s penalties, sending Argentina through to the quarter-finals. Roberto Ayala and Esteban Cambiasso were unfortunate enough to hand their nation its sole defeat after missing against Germany in 2006 before they returned to penalty glory in 2014 with their 4-2 win over the Netherlands.
Argentina’s final two shootout triumphs came on their way to World Cup glory in 2022. After their quarter-final tie with the Netherlands finished 2-2, the South American side managed to outscore their European counterparts 4-2 from the spot. And then, after one of the most thrilling World Cup finals in recent memory, Argentina prevailed under the most crushing of pressure, netting all four of their penalties to, once again, crown them as the champions of the world.
World Cup Penalty Shootout Team Stats
REUTERS
Team
Played
Won
Lost
Argentina
7
6
1
Germany
5
4
1
Croatia
4
4
0
Brazil
5
3
2
France
5
2
3
Paraguay
2
2
0
Morocco
2
2
0
Spain
5
1
4
Netherlands
5
1
4
Italy
4
1
3
England
4
1
3
Ireland
2
1
1
Costa Rica
2
1
1
Russia
2
1
1
Argentina have comfortably the best penalty shootout record in World Cup history, followed by Germany and Croatia, while Brazil’s record is somewhat mixed. Following that cohort, France have won two and lost three shootouts in the World Cup, with Paraguay and Morocco each winning their two respective shootouts.
Despite being renowned for their technical ability, Spain and the Netherlands have a disappointing record in World Cup penalty shootouts, with each team registering just one victory in five spot-kick deciders. England have a poor record in World Cup shootouts too, with just one win in four – which came in 2018 against Colombia. The Three Lions’ record is the same as Italy’s, though the Azzurri’s sole victory came in the 2006 final and clinched the trophy.
England have survived a scare from DR Congo to set up a mouth-watering Mexico City reunion.
Harry Kane inspired England to a dramatic 2-1 win over DR Congo at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, dragging the Three Lions from the brink of elimination after Brian Cipenga’s early strike had stunned everyone in attendance.
Thomas Tuchel’s side toiled for over an hour against a disciplined and fearless Congolese outfit before two second-half goals turned the tie in their favour, setting up a round of 16 date with hosts Mexico in the Estadio Azteca on Sunday, going into Monday morning.
England Player Ratings vs DR Congo
Player
Rating
Jordan Pickford
6
Djed Spence
5
Ezri Konsa
7
Marc Guéhi
7
Nico O’Reilly
6
Elliot Anderson
6
Declan Rice
7
Noni Madueke
7
Jude Bellingham
7.5
Marcus Rashford
6.5
Harry Kane
9.5
Anthony Gordon (sub)
8.5
Bukayo Saka (sub)
7
Eberechi Eze (sub)
6
Congo Player Ratings vs England
Player
Rating
Lionel Mpasi
8.5
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
7.5
Chancel Mbemba
7.5
Axel Tuanzebe
6.5
Arthur Masuaku
6
Ngal’ayel Mukau
6
Samuel Moutoussamy
6.5
Noah Sadiki
6
Nathanaël Mbuku
6
Yoane Wissa
7
Brian Cipenga
7.5
Meschack Elia (sub)
6
Kane’s Brace Ends Congo Resistance
Nathan Ray Seebeck via Reuters
Kane was the difference in a game England had barely any right to win. Held at bay bay for the best part of 70 minutes, the captain finally broke through in the 75th, nodding home Anthony Gordon’s cross to level matters. He struck again soon after, latching onto a second Gordon assist to fire beyond Lionel Mpasi and move to 13 World Cup goals, overtaking Pele in the all-time charts.
Spence Errors Punished, Anthony Gordon Changes the Game
England’s Djed Spence
Djed Spence endured a difficult afternoon deputising at right-back, badly caught out for Cipenga’s seventh-minute opener as Congo exploited the space in behind the Three Lions. England were sluggish for long spells, before Tuchel’s introduction of Gordon and Saka on the hour mark injected the pace and directness that had been missing, with Gordon in particular proving the catalyst for the late turnaround.
The Los Angeles Lakers rank among the most decorated franchises in NBA history, winning 17 championships – just one fewer than the Boston Celtics’ all-time record – and establishing a legacy built on decades of sustained success.
From the iconic Showtime teams of the 1980s, which captured five championships in a 10-year stretch, to the Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant dynasty that secured three straight titles between 2000 and 2002, the Lakers have delivered countless unforgettable moments while producing many of the greatest stars the game has ever witnessed.
Choosing the greatest Lakers players of all time is never an easy debate, so GIVEMESPORT turned to ChatGPT to select and rank the 10 finest players ever to represent the famous purple and gold.
While the AI’s rankings were based on individual achievements, team success, and overall influence, several legendary figures narrowly missed out on the top 10. Honourable mentions include Gail Goodrich, Michael Cooper, Byron Scott, A.C. Green, and Anthony Davis.
So, without further ado, here are the 10 greatest Los Angeles Lakers players of all time – ranked by AI.
10 Pau Gasol
2x NBA Champion, 3x All-Star (with Lakers)
Acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies in a 2008 trade, Pau Gasol became a crucial piece of the Lakers’ back-to-back NBA championship teams in 2009 and 2010, forming an outstanding partnership alongside Kobe Bryant.
During his time in Los Angeles, Gasol averaged 17.7 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists across 429 games. He also earned three All-Star selections and established himself as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history.
The National Basketball Association has seen dozens of stellar players over the years, but which 20 players have been the absolute best?
ChatGPT described Gasol as Kobe’s ‘perfect sidekick’ during the late 2000s, highlighting the significant impact he made after joining the Lakers from Memphis in 2008 and helping transform the franchise’s fortunes.
“Kobe Bryant’s perfect sidekick in the late 2000s. Intelligent, unselfish, and clutch in big moments. His acquisition changed the trajectory of the franchise in 2008.”
9 James Worthy
3x NBA Champion, 1x Finals MVP
Selected with the No.1 overall pick in the 1982 NBA Draft, James Worthy spent all 12 seasons of his NBA career with the Lakers and became a cornerstone of the franchise’s famous Showtime era.
Playing alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Worthy was an integral part of one of the greatest teams in NBA history, helping the Lakers capture three championships. His standout performance in the 1988 Finals also earned him Finals MVP honours.
According to AI, Worthy consistently justified his ‘Big Game James’ nickname and played a pivotal role in the Lakers’ dominance throughout the 1980s, averaging 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 926 games.
“‘Big Game James’ lived up to the nickname. Crucial to the Showtime Lakers with his slashing style and postseason heroics.”
8 Wilt Chamberlain
1x NBA Champion (with Lakers), 1x Finals MVP
Wilt Chamberlain spent the final five seasons of his legendary career with the Lakers and helped lead them to the 1972 NBA championship – the franchise’s first since moving to Los Angeles.
The dominant center was a key defensive anchor and rebounder during his time with the Lakers, and this is why ChatGPT placed him eighth on the greatest Lakers ever list.
“Not at his statistical peak with the Lakers, but still dominant. His 1972 championship team set a then-record 69 wins. He was a key defensive anchor and rebounder.”
Chamberlain averaged 19.2 rebounds, 17.7 points and 4.3 assists in 339 games for the Lakers and was named Finals MVP in 1972.
7 LeBron James
1x NBA Champion (with Lakers), 1x Finals MVP
LeBron James signed with the Lakers in 2018 and helped bring an end to the franchise’s decade-long championship drought by leading them to the NBA title in 2020.
During that season, he steered the Lakers to championship success inside the Orlando bubble and claimed Finals MVP honours, becoming the first player in NBA history to win the award with three different franchises – Miami, Cleveland and Los Angeles.
A player of this stature is always going to have a long que of potential suitors.
LeBron also surpassed the NBA’s all-time scoring record while wearing a Lakers uniform in 2023, and ChatGPT believes his continued elite level of play well into his late 30s has secured his place as the seventh-greatest Laker of all time.
“Though most of his legacy was made in Cleveland and Miami, he brought a title to the Lakers in 2020 and has continued elite play well into his late 30s.”
6 Elgin Baylor
11x All-Star, 10x All-NBA First Team
Elgin Baylor joined the franchise in 1958 when it was still based in Minneapolis and became one of the Lakers’ original superstars and a true pioneer of modern basketball.
His athleticism, hang time and scoring ability were particular standouts at that point in time and helped him become the cornerstone of the team’s early success after the move to Los Angeles in 1960.
Baylor averaged 27.4 points, 13.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 843 games for the Lakers and holds the record for most points in an NBA Finals game with 61, while ChatGPT called him a pioneer of above-the-rim play.
“Pioneered above-the-rim play. Though he never won a title, Baylor was ahead of his time in athleticism and scoring. Consistently carried the Lakers in the early days.”
5 Shaquille O’Neal
3x NBA Champion (with Lakers), 1x MVP
Arguably the most dominant NBA player of all time, Shaquille O’Neal joined the Lakers in 1996 as a free agent and immediately transformed the team into a title contender.
Shaq led the Lakers to three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002 alongside Kobe Bryant and won three straight Finals MVP awards during that period.
His 2000 season was one of the most dominant in league history, as he was named regular season MVP and led the league in scoring, while, according to AI, his and Kobe’s duo was one of the most unstoppable in NBA history.
“Most dominant big man of his era. Shaq and Kobe formed one of the most unstoppable duos in NBA history. Peak Shaq (2000–2002) was nearly unstoppable.”
4 Jerry West
1x NBA Champion, 10x All-NBA First Team
Jerry West was the face of the Lakers throughout the 1960s and early 1970s and spent his entire 14-season career with the franchise, averaging 27.0 points, 6.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds in 932 games.
Despite reaching the Finals nine times as a Laker, West only won the title once in 1972 alongside Wilt Chamberlain, while ChatGPT praised his clutch performances and ‘unmatched’ leadership.
“‘The Logo’ was a model of consistency and clutch performances. Despite multiple Finals losses, his talent and leadership were unmatched. He also became a successful executive for the Lakers post-playing.”
West’s silhouette became the inspiration for the NBA logo, while his legacy as a Laker extends beyond his playing days – he spent three seasons coaching the team from 1976 to 1979 and later worked as a general manager for almost two decades.
3 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
5x NBA Champion (with Lakers), 3x MVP
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar joined the Lakers in 1975 after a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks and went on to cement his legacy as one of the greatest centers in NBA history.
Known for his signature skyhook, he helped lead the Lakers to five championships in the 1980s and was named MVP three times – adding to his collection of six (including three with Milwaukee)
“Dominant for over a decade with the Lakers. His skyhook and consistency made him an anchor during the Showtime run. Had more MVPs than any other Laker.”
Abdul-Jabbar averaged 22.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 1,093 games for the Lakers and was also named Finals MVP in 1985 at the age of 38.
He developed into a relentless competitor and an elite scorer during his time in Los Angeles, winning five NBA titles, earning 18 All-Star selections, 15 All-NBA selections and a league MVP in 2008.
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Kobe averaged 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 1,346 games in the purple and gold uniform and scored 81 points in a single game in 2006 – the second-highest in league history.
“Spent entire 20-year career with the Lakers. His work ethic, killer instinct, and iconic moments (like 81 points vs. Raptors) made him a legend. No Laker has scored more points in purple and gold.”
1 Magic Johnson
5x NBA Champion, 3x MVP
Ultimately, AI named Magic Johnson as the greatest Lakers player of all time and praised him for revolutionising the point guard role with his size and unmatched vision.
“The face of the “Showtime” era, Magic revolutionized the point guard position with his size and vision. His leadership and clutch performances defined the 1980s Lakers dynasty. Arguably the most important Laker in terms of branding and winning.”
Johnson is regarded as arguably the greatest point guard in NBA history and was a leader of the Lakers during their iconic Showtime era, winning five championships, three league MVPs and a Finals MVP as a rookie in 1980.
He spent his entire 13-year NBA career with the Lakers, averaging 19.5 points, 11.2 assists and 7.2 rebounds in 906 games.
Man Utd are in the market for new midfielders this summer.
Man Utd Explore Fernandes Alternatives
via Reuters
According to a report from The Athletic, Manchester United have a host of names on their shortlist to strengthen their midfield options in the summer transfer window.
