Juan Brignardello Vela
Juan Brignardello Vela, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.
Euro 2024 has been captivated not just by the fierce competition on the field, but also by a unique trend in penalty-taking techniques. The stutter run-up has emerged as the go-to strategy for many top players, with stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski, and Jude Bellingham incorporating this pause in their approach to the ball. Before the semi-finals, statistics revealed that over a third of penalties taken at Euro 2024 featured a stutter-step run-up. This technique, though mildly controversial, is fully permissible under the current laws of the game. Players are allowed to add a pause or feint into their run-up but must adhere to certain rules regarding continuous forward motion once they stop. The history of the stutter penalty dates back to legends like Pele and Romario, who successfully employed this strategy to outwit goalkeepers. However, there have been high-profile misses associated with the stuttered run-up, such as Spain's Joaquin in the 2002 World Cup and England's Jamie Carragher in the 2006 World Cup. Interestingly, the success rate of stutter-step penalties at Euro 2024 is comparable to other methods, emphasizing that there is no definitive formula for penalty success. The stutter-step aims not to deceive the goalkeeper on the direction of the kick but rather on the timing of the shot, creating a mental challenge for the one between the posts. Goalkeeping expert Matt Pyzdrowski explains that the stutter-step can unsettle goalkeepers by disrupting their timing and causing them to second-guess their movements. The psychological aspect of the stutter technique adds a layer of complexity to the penalty duel, testing the nerves of both taker and keeper in a high-pressure moment. While some may view the stutter-run up as a display of skill or nerve, ultimately, each player adopts the approach that feels most comfortable to them. Whether it is a strategic move or a psychological ploy, the stutter-step has become a prominent feature of penalty kicks at Euro 2024, captivating fans and sparking debates on its effectiveness and purpose in the game.