Incredible! Is this the luckiest penalty you’ll ever see?
There have been many instances in football where penalties have been scored in unusual or lucky ways. One particularly memorable example that could be considered one of the luckiest penalties ever occurred during a match between Thailand and Myanmar in the 2013 SEA Games.
Details of the Incident:
- Match: Thailand vs. Myanmar
- Event: 2013 SEA Games
- Penalty Incident: During the penalty shootout, Thai player Narubadin Weerawatnodom stepped up to take his shot. His penalty initially struck the crossbar, bouncing high into the air. However, in an incredible twist of fate, the ball came back down and bounced off the goalkeeper’s back before rolling into the net.
Why It’s Considered Lucky:
- Initial Miss: The ball hitting the crossbar usually indicates a missed opportunity.
- Unexpected Bounce: The ball’s high bounce and subsequent descent back into the goal area were highly unpredictable.
- Goalkeeper’s Involvement: The fact that the ball hit the goalkeeper and went in added to the luck factor, as it was completely out of the control of both the player and the goalkeeper.
Similar Instances:
There have been other notable instances of fortunate penalties, such as:
- Zinedine Zidane’s Penalty in the 2006 World Cup Final: Zidane’s audacious Panenka penalty hit the crossbar before bouncing down and just crossing the goal line.
- Luck with Goalkeepers: Situations where goalkeepers save the initial shot only for the ball to rebound off them or another player into the net.
These moments are memorable because they highlight the unpredictable nature of football and how luck can sometimes play a significant role in determining the outcome of a match.