Doha: Argentina has established itself as a formidable force in FIFA World Cup penalty shootouts, having participated in more such matches than any other nation. The South American team has emerged victorious in six out of seven shootouts, showcasing its prowess in high-pressure situations.
According to Anadolu Agency, Argentina's first triumph in a World Cup penalty shootout occurred at the Italy 1990 tournament. The team defeated Yugoslavia 3-2 in the quarterfinals after a goalless draw. This victory was followed by another against host nation Italy, where Argentina won 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the semifinals.
In subsequent tournaments, Argentina continued its success in penalty shootouts. At France 1998, the team bested England 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the round of 16. The 2014 Brazil tournament saw Argentina overcome the Netherlands 4-2 in a shootout after a scoreless semifinal draw. During its World Cup-winning campaign at Qatar 2022, Argentina added two more shootout victories, defeating the Netherlands 4-3 in the quarterfinals after a 2-2 draw and overcoming France 4-2 in the final following a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Argentina's sole World Cup shootout defeat came against Germany in the 2006 quarterfinals, where the host nation won 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Germany, along with Croatia, boasts an impeccable record in World Cup penalty shootouts, having won all four of their appearances. Germany's victories came against France in 1982, Mexico in 1986, England in 1990, and Argentina in 2006. Croatia achieved four consecutive wins across the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, defeating Denmark and Russia in 2018, followed by victories over Japan and Brazil in 2022.
Brazil has won three out of five World Cup penalty shootouts, while France has a record of two wins and three losses. Spain has secured one victory in five shootouts, with England, Italy, and the Netherlands each winning one out of four attempts.
Overall, 35 World Cup matches have been decided by penalty shootouts, with five matches at Qatar 2022 ending in this manner. Argentina claimed victory in two of these shootouts, ultimately leading to their crowning as tournament champions. Meanwhile, ten countries have yet to taste victory in a World Cup penalty shootout: Yugoslavia, Ghana, Switzerland, Chile, Greece, Colombia, Denmark, Japan, Romania, and Mexico.