Few moments in football are as tense as a World Cup penalty shootout. In the knockout stage, if a match is still level after extra time, a shootout settles it. Here is how it works.
The basic format
Each team takes five penalties, alternating one at a time. The side that scores more of its five wins. Different players must take the kicks until everyone eligible has had a turn, and only players on the pitch at the end of extra time may participate.
Sudden death
If the score is level after five kicks each, the shootout moves to sudden death: teams keep taking one penalty each, and the first team to lead after both have taken the same number of kicks wins. This can run well beyond the initial five rounds.
The goalkeeper
The goalkeeper must keep at least part of one foot on or in line with the goal line until the ball is kicked. Managers often bring on a specialist goalkeeper before a shootout, a tactic that has decided more than one World Cup tie. When a shootout is under way, our match page shows the result as soon as it is confirmed.