How USMNT prepare for World Cup penalty drama: confidence, composure and consultants

T here is perhaps nothing more polarizing in the game of football than a penalty shootout. But however you feel about them, you can’t deny the drama involved, which was on full display in Monday’s last-32 matches. Germany were the first at this World Cup to fall victim to the cruel nature of the procedure, with Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah all missing from the spot and handing a shock victory to Paraguay. The Netherlands, who have plenty of familiarity with the devastation of losing in a shootout, came next, putting in a poor effort against Morocco, who took full advantage. Leaving the tournament via penalties was a new concept to the Germans , who had never done so since penalty kicks were added to the World Cup in 1982. In the aftermath of the loss, German media began to report some very grisly details: midfielder Leon Goretzka and defenders Waldemar Anton, Nathaniel Brown and Malick Thiaw had all reportedly declined to take a penalty, leaving the task to Tah, who had never taken one in his professional career. He missed the decisive kick, and Germany were sent packing. To some, this represents a shocking lack of preparation by Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann, with many pundits wondering why he hadn’t had a predetermined order. Mauricio Pochettino’s approach differs. …