London: The penalty shootout between England and Sweden at Euro 2025 will go down as one of the most dramatic in football history. Of the 14 spot-kicks taken, only five were scored, with six saved and three missed for a conversion rate of just 35.7%.
According to BBC, this occurrence isn’t an isolated incident. At Euro 2025, penalties have been far from a guaranteed source of goals, with a tournament success rate of 58.5%. This has prompted questions as to why penalties are now harder to score in major women’s tournaments. BBC Sport explored the stats, spoke to players and managers, and consulted experts for answers.
Interest in women’s football has surged, leading to greater pressure on players. Geir Jordet, a professor of football and psychology, suggested that increased scrutiny could be a significant factor in missed penalties. Jordet noted that while Premier League players are accustomed to large audiences, the pressure is relatively new to female players, who are still learning to adapt.
The rise in interest has also brought increased finances, enabling more research and coaching. With better scouting and data analysis, opponents can predict players’ moves more accurately. During the England-Sweden shootout, Swedish keeper Jennifer Falk used a list of England’s takers and their styles to save four spot-kicks.
The women’s game has seen advancements in goalkeeping, which has historically been less developed due to factors like physical limitations. However, professionalization has led to smarter strategies and better preparation. Critics of women’s football have been proven wrong as goalkeepers now demonstrate improved standards, as seen in the recent shootout.
While penalties are often considered a lottery, luck plays a role in their outcome. As women’s football continues to evolve, techniques and styles seen in men’s football will become more common, leading to better penalty-taking strategies. England’s adaptability, as evidenced by Lucy Bronze’s decisive penalty, highlights the ongoing development in the women’s game.