Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterAt every World Cup, there are high-stakes penalty shoot-outs, and they are invariably dramatic, tense and nerve-wracking for those involved.There have already been two in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup: Paraguay got the better of Germany - believe it or not - in a rollercoaster of a shoot-out, before Morocco beat the Netherlands on penalties.For some players, handling the anxiety of stepping up under extreme pressure doesnt come naturally - but they have been given some potentially useful device from fellow sportsmen.Play our FREE match predictor below and win �1kDarts pros on dealing with pressureA post shared by FourFourTwo (@fourfourtwouk)A photo posted by on Professional darts players are familiar with the feeling of nervousness that comes with being asked to step up and take an accurate shot at a decisive moment.Some of the very best spoke to FourFourTwo about coping with those high-stakes moments. You may like Every remaining World Cup 2026 team's penalty shootout record Harry Kane will be spurred on by his penalty miss in Qatar. Hes almost unshakeable in his mentality Stuart Peace and Chris Waddle on what it takes to come back from spot-kick misery Quiz! Can you name every player to score in a World Cup penalty shootout this century? Its difficult, especially the last couple of years Ive struggled with that, but now I think Im just trying to look at the bigger picture, said Gian van Veen. Of course, at that moment it feels really important, but I always think, what happens if you lose this match? Not much.Your life still goes on, so thats how I start looking at it, downplay it a little bit and just think about the bigger picture.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Former world No.1 Luke Humphries said: In any sport youre doing crunch moments, your heart rate goes up a little bit, you feel a little bit tingly, so the most important thing is just staying composed and making sure you dont let your thoughts run away with you and start thinking negatively.Keep your breathing in check to make sure you dont let your heart go crazy and feel those nerves too much.Stephen Bunting added: The similar thing for us is going for a big, big finish, so I think you need to have massive composure and take your time, deep breath. Look at where youre throwing it and make sure you put it in the right place.Finally, Josh Rock kept it simple. Take a big deep breath, compose yourself and just relax your body, he said. And obviously believe its going to go in, the exact same as a goal.Its never as simple as it seems, of course, but taking a penalty with the eyes of the world watching is often more about mentality than technique.TOPICSWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Callum Rice-CoatesCallum is a football writer who has had work published by the likes of BBC Sport, the Independent, BT Sport and the Blizzard, amongst various others. A lifelong Wrexham fan, he is hoping Ryan Reynolds can lead his hometown club to the promised land.
