A very painful scene happened in the Europa League qualifiers. Ajax goalkeeper Paschwell had saved four penalties in the penalty shootout, but the game still did not end.
The number one contributor to this 17-round penalty shootout was Ajax striker Brobbe. Brobbe, who came on as a substitute in overtime, was arranged to play in the most critical fifth position. Since all his teammates had scored before and Paschwell had made a successful save in the first round, as long as he sent the ball into the net, Ajax would be able to advance.
However, the half-high penalty he kicked was easily resolved by the opponent’s goalkeeper who judged the direction, thus starting this long penalty shootout.
Brobe failed to seize the match point, which did not affect Paswell’s good form. He saved the opponent’s penalty kicks in the 7th and 8th rounds. However, his teammates either chased the angle too much and kicked the ball away, or their footwork was too conservative, resulting in the shot being saved. He failed to end the game three times with the match point in hand. This roller coaster-like plot made everyone let go of their psychological burden. The players on the field became ruthless penalty kicks, constantly sending the ball into the goal, even if the goalkeepers of both sides kicked the ball steadily.
Entering the second big cycle. This trend is still. Realizing that this would not stop the ball from flying into the net, Paswell could only use tricks such as exchanging the ball with the ball boy on the side and stepping on the penalty spot to try to interfere with the opponent’s mentality.
And these tricks finally paid off in the 16th round, when Paswell successfully resolved the opponent’s penalty kick for the fourth time. However, Brobe appeared on the penalty spot again. After learning from his mistakes, he did not send the ball to the opponent’s goalkeeper this time, but kicked the ball directly into the stands.
Although Brobe was speechless about his performance, Paswell had no hope at all. He turned around and blocked the opponent’s shot again.
In the penalty shootout, Guy, a 22-year-old young player, could not bear to watch his 41-year-old teammate continue to save the penalty. In sharp contrast to Brobe, he steadily scored his second penalty in this game, ending the 17-round penalty shootout.
After the game, all Ajax players rushed to Paswell to celebrate in ecstasy. Only Brobe, who missed two penalties, was unhappy. His teammates and coaches did not forget to comfort him. After all, if the team failed to advance, he would be surrounded by everyone.
Ajax Europa League Round 17 Penalty Shootout
30
Sep