The first ever 'Panenka' penalty scored was scored 40 years ago today
Czechoslovakia footballer Antonín Panenka scored the greatest penalty chip on this day during the Euro 1976 final against West Germany – and people have been trying to copy him ever since
On 20 June 1976, Antonín Panenka wrote his name into football history when he scored the original 'Panenka' penalty during the Euro 1976 final.
The footballer's chip won the European Championships for his country Czechoslovakia in a penalty shootout against West Germany.
The 'original' Panenka penalty happened exactly 40 years ago. This beauty gave Czechoslovakia the #EURO76. #Panenka pic.twitter.com/UavjnrJqXg
— Onefootball (@Onefootball) June 20, 2016
“I saw myself as an entertainer and I saw this penalty as a reflection of my personality,” Panenka said later. “I wanted to give the fans something new to see, to create something that would get them talking. To come up with something at a moment when no-one expects it. I wanted football to be more than just kicking a ball.”
Ever since, the Panenka has been the way for the greatest players in the world to take a spot kick. For everyone else, it's become the sure-fire way to make a right tit of yourself as you scoop the ball straight into the keeper's hands.
Watch the original penalty here, and for a classic example of how not to take a Panenka, check out this appalling recent effort from Venezuela's Luis Seijas during the Copa America.
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