FC Barcelona star İlkay Gündoğan knows a thing or two about scoring from the penalty spot for his country. It was how he opened Germany’s account at the 2022 Men’s World Cup against Japan — and though he has ceded that role in this tournament to Arsenal FC man Kai Havertz, the Germany captain is ready if called upon.
And everyone might just be called upon on Friday when Germany take on Spain in the quarterfinals of EURO 2024. There is little to separate the two teams in quality, and the 33-year-old veteran knows everyone has to be ready.
“The key word is routine. When you take a penalty, the pressure is simply bigger in the game than in training,” Gündoğan said in the pregame press conference (as captured via @iMiaSanMia). “I don’t think you can simulate penalties in training. But you can train the routine — the run-up, the point where the ball hits the ground. The pressure is the hardest thing. I’m thinking of [Bayern Munich striker] Harry Kane, even one of the best penalty takers in the world sometimes misses. You just do your best. Anyone who takes responsibility in such situations and takes a penalty deserves respect — even if they miss.”
This edition of the EUROs has already seen one shootout — Portugal easily dispatching Slovenia after Porto keeper Diogo Costa saved all three shots in faced. Could more be coming in Friday’s quarterfinals?
Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Germany’s big matchup with Spain in the EURO 2024 quarterfinals? Then check out our Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show where we break down how excited fans should be, two key positional showdowns on the pitch, a guess at Julian Nagelsmann’s starting XI and a prediction on the game! You can get the Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show on Spotify or below: