Mbappe's penalty miss reignites stutter technique debate
Kylian Mbappe's missed penalty with a stuttering run-up during the World Cup quarter-final raises questions about the effectiveness of the technique amid poor penalty statistics.
Mbappe's Blunder and Stutter Penalty Stats
France captain Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty in the quarter-final against Morocco after using a stuttering run-up, a technique involving pauses and feints. His tame effort was saved, though France won 2-0. This incident has reignited the debate: is it time to stop using the stutter?
Statistics Show Low Conversion Rate
According to FIFA rules, players may stop or feint during the run-up but not immediately before striking the ball. At this World Cup, only 57% of 26 stutter penalties (including shootouts) were converted – 11 were missed. In contrast, 68% of 35 non-stutter penalties were scored. Overall, this World Cup has been poor for penalty takers: 30% of regular-time penalties were missed, the second-highest rate since 1966. Including shootouts, the miss rate rises to 35%, the highest since 1966.
Expert Opinions
Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live that goalkeepers are bigger and more athletic now, forcing players to adapt. "The stutter makes the keeper go the wrong way," he said. However, keepers have data on players' habits, reducing the advantage. Mbappe's miss may have been influenced by a lengthy VAR check that took 3 minutes and 12 seconds, disrupting his routine. French journalist Julien Laurens called it "a weak shot and easy save."
Conclusion
While the stutter technique is still used, World Cup statistics suggest its effectiveness is waning. Goalkeepers are better prepared, and players may need new strategies to convert penalties.
