Antonín Panenka’s Cheeky Penalty (Czechoslovakia, 1976)
Audacious Brilliance
In the 1976 European Championship final, Antonín Panenka stepped up for the deciding penalty in the shootout against West Germany. With the score tied and immense pressure, Panenka displayed nerves of steel, chipping the ball delicately down the middle as the goalkeeper dove to the side. This cheeky penalty secured Czechoslovakia’s first major title and became one of the most famous penalties in history.
A Penalty Like No Other
Panenka’s audacious decision to attempt such a bold move in a high-stakes moment has been celebrated and emulated ever since. The “Panenka” penalty has become a term in football, symbolizing a perfect blend of technique, courage, and cheekiness. This goal is a legendary moment, forever etched in European Championship lore.
