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PRAGUE. — For four decades, goalkeepers have been haunted by the “Panenka” penalty kick that leaves them diving to the side while the ball falls slowly into the middle of the net. The Western world first became aware of the kick a year after it had been invented by then-Czechoslovak midfielder Antonin Panenka when, in the 1976 European Championship final, he fooled West German goalkeeper Sepp Maier to hand his country a surprise win. “If I had missed then, I would have been a turner with a 40-year record in the job today,” smiles the 66-year-old, still sporting his trademark moustache.

The Belgrade final headed into penalties as Czechoslovakia and West Germany were tied 2-2 after extra time. Four Czechoslovaks and three Germans scored while Uli Hoeness failed, the score being 4-3 before the last penalty. Panenka took a quick run up, looking set for a fierce blast and Maier dived to his left while Panenka checked his run and his gently-chipped shot took a slow curve and landed safely in the net.

“Definitely you must have some courage, but in the first place it is necessary to practise hard, otherwise it would be too risky to try this kick,” Panenka said. — AFP.