Barcelona star Mascherano talks penalties
The 20 survivors in Betfair's brilliant Penalty Champions competition will soon be whittled down to six, with the best spot-kick specialists getting to take one at half-time in matches at either the Camp Nou or Old Trafford. To mark the occasion, we spoke exclusively to Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano about the art of scoring from 12 yards...
Mascherano's penalty taking tips
"I'm not the best penalty shooter ever, and I haven't taken that many during my career, but my best tip is to keep concentrating and be as relaxed as possible, especially because the shooter has it worse at this point than the rest of the players. With penalties, the goalkeeper knows that no-one will blame him for conceding the goal, but the shooter suffers all the pressure, and therefore needs to focus. Personally, when I choose the place where I'll be kicking, I try not to change it. It is better to select a spot and stick to it. Then you have to be focused and decisive with your kick."
The most memorable penalty kick he's ever seen
"For the good or the bad, there are always penalties to be remembered. I think the one penalty I remember the best is a recent one. John Terry took it in the Champions League Final against Manchester United. The shooter has more chances to miss, especially in such important moments of the game."
Check back soon to find out which lucky entrants have earned the chance to strut their stuff at the Camp Nou and Old Trafford
Published: 4 Nov 2010
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