The Decoy penalty taker strategy, pioneered by Chelsea some weeks ago, was put to use again, now by the US menโs national team in the crucial World Cup qualification game v Panama. Ferreira acted as Decoy to protect Pulisic, the real penalty taker. Hereโs the breakdown. Thread 1/
When awarded a penalty, with the score 0-0, Ferreira grabbed the ball, seemingly being the one to take the shot. He instantly attracted attention from Panama players, while the real penalty taker, Pulisic, quietly and uninterrupted prepared his shot outside the penalty area. 2/
Interestingly, other US players acted to intercept the Panama players, blocking them from getting to and playing mind games with the Decoy penalty taker. Although a Decoy obviously needs no protection, these actions effectively reinforced and strengthened the illusion. 3/
Once the commotion in the penalty area was over, the referee had gained control over the situation, and the Panama players had exited the penalty area, Ferreira handed the ball over to the real penalty taker. Pulisic took it from there. Composed. Focused. Controlled. 1-0! 4/
When the US team got another penalty at the end of the first half, Ferreira & Pulisic repeated the process. However, now they were already up 3-0, and the element of surprise obviously gone. Regardless, great to see teams actively and successfully protect the penalty taker. 5/
For more on how Chelsea executed the Decoy penalty taker strategy in the FIFA Club World Cup final, see here 6/
For more on penalty kick mind games and how leading teams and players now protect against them, see here 7/
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