Who Missed Their Penalties in Istanbul?
Today we look back on the fateful 2005 Champions League Final between Liverpool and AC Milan. A match which will forever be remembered for one of football’s most famous penalties and be remembered as one of the greatest comebacks of all time.
When the game was level at 3-3, after Liverpool’s incredible fightback from 3 goals down, the shootout went to a sudden death penalty shoot-out. After 6 successful penalties, the fate of the game decided on who miss their penalty in the shootout and who would go on to lift the famous trophy.
Jermaine Pennant, Dietmar Hamann, Vladimir Smicer, all calmly hit the corners of the net for Liverpool, while Andrea Pirlo and Kaka both fluffed the opportunity. It was then another of AC Milan’s heroes, Gennaro Gattuso, who failed to simmer his side’s glory, missing his weak penalty kick.
Dida, Milan’s goalkeeper, was powerless as Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso stepped up and scored. After a moment of collective disbelief, Anfield erupted into jubilation. Liverpool had managed the impossible; overturning a 3-goal deficit in the space of 6 minutes and lifting the European Cup for a fifth time.
The night still remains fresh in the minds of both Milan and Kopites alike. To this day, fans and journalists alike express their disbelief and amazement at the miraculous turnaround of the game.
In an interview with football magazine ‘FourFourTwo’, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a lifelong Milan and Liverpool fan, shares his thoughts on the game: ”I don’t remember any other game in recent memory that epitomises the sheer drama of this game. Both sets of players deserved all the plaudits and to the winners go the spoils – it is simply an unforgettable night – and I for one am truly grateful to have been able to witness such a game.”
The night in Istanbul had a lifelong impact on both sets of players; some players who missed their penalties still draw a tear or two when reflecting back on the game. Gattuso’s throaty emotional outpouring on the podium went viral on social media and even 11 years on; specialists understand the deep emotions and trauma on missing a decisive penalty kick.
Psychological Impact
The shot of missing a penalty in a major final is never at the back of the player’s minds, especially in the immediate period following the game. This dark and frustrating feeling “never really goes away, but I can deal with it myself now”, stated Milan’s Gattuso.
Experts on the field of psychology stipulate the importance of stringent therapeutic support for such players, to help maintain a healthy state of mental stability. They state that “it is essential for the player to recognise their own personal feelings of shame and guilt and to address them immediately”.
Branches of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) exclusively emphasise on the practice of “thought challenging”, to help the player to compose himself and move on from potentially thought provoking issues.
The sheer range and variety of therapies available today has seen many players return to their old form and slowly, but surely, develop a natural defence mechanism to face the pressures of the game optimistically.
Struggles in the Search For Redemption
However, whereas some players succeeding in assuaging the feeling of social stigma, others have had more difficulty in overcoming their struggles. Many become instilled with anxiety, fear and shame and thus have difficulty responding to their inner-critic.
It is often noted that players partake in this emotional turmoil alone with the assistance of a friend or family member. This often happens in fear of being judged negatively by coaches and teammates in the team environment and larger community.
At the end of the day, it is of paramount importance that such players open up to seek help for their psychological issues. Whether that is in seeking professional help or talking to a loved-one or friend, it is essential for them to feel that sense of psychological security and capture that mental advantage.
Consequences of the Moment
One consequence which can arise from missing a penalty in a major game is the build-up of self-doubt, lack of confidence and inadequate self-esteem. A lack of confidence can lead to further issues, especially in a team environment. Players start to doubt the search for redemption and may feel inhibited and relatively passive in their approach to the game.
Such players can feel the wrath of the fans and thus can develop an identity crisi – in the search for that same identity. It can be difficult to explain the feeling of “building oneself from the scratch”, nonetheless it is essential to take advantage of these opportunities if a player is to progress and continuing wanting to play the game.
The Impact of Managerial Pressure
Players understand the importance of psychological preparation and how such a preparation can make the difference between success and failure in the big games. Many players attest to the importance of staying psychologically and mentally flexible; especially to limit the fear of possible failure.
Former French international player Lilian Thuram states in his post game interview ”our manager of the time was always a constant and positive figure, helping his players stay as mentally alert as possible, to make sure that if his players ever missed a penalty, he was there to help them”.
It is therefore evident such a role is fundamental in a player’s success and ultimately demonstrates the role of that figure in the psychological dynamics of the game.
The Gruelling Reality Of Life After A Penalty MissSit
The road to redemption for players is never a simple one and the feeling of missing a penalty which can alter the course of a game is never forgotten. Current and former players in the game today understand that due to the infliction of the penalty typically being decided on the spot, the experience, no matter how brief is, still harsh.
Moreover, the reality isnt all sad and grim, the life and experience of such players can often be a source of inspiration to amateur players around the world. Seeing such top quality players take the brunt of the blame and still carry on in their career demonstrates the courage and spirit of the footballers during and after the game.
The Value of Social Support
It is often that players in such situations are lucky enough to have a friend or a family member to offer support and solidarity. In the case of the 2005 Champions League Final, both sets of players had a source of inspiration in the companions on the bench, who could offer comfort and moral support in such a difficult period of time.
However, for some players, it can be an isolated feeling and thus the importance of family and friends understanding the mental complexities of such a situation is essential. In the long-term, such individuals can start to see the positive and personal benefits of such an experience and usually take a position of self-content and relief that the experience was a learning curve that has changed the way they approach the game.
Working Positively During Recovery
The real challenge begins for such players after recovering from the effects of the penalty miss. Some players are unable to move on from the previous game and often struggle to build up any sort of pleasure out of the game. It is natural for players to lack encouragement from others, and this often heightens the frustration.
Regaining focus and concentration is fundamental for players to move on from the experience and in some cases, adopt a new approach to the game.
In an interview with famous football coach Jose Mourinho, he states that “it is important for the player to recognise their emotions and work with those feelings to eventually overcome them. This gives the player the sense of control and understanding of the game and as a consequence allows the player to feel empowered”.
It is therefore essential that the player must make sure to stay focused Only then can the player start on the road to redemption.
