Rabat – Antonín Panenka, the former Czech footballer who invented the famous “Panenka” penalty, has spoken about Brahim Diaz’s missed penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
In an interview with Spanish radio Cadena SER, Panenka explained how much work it took him to perfect the technique.
“It took me two years of daily training to be able to take a penalty in that way,” he said.
Panenka believes Diaz did not prepare enough before attempting it in such a high‑pressure moment. “I’m convinced Brahim didn’t train it enough. The idea came to him suddenly in that moment, and he tried it. I think that’s why he didn’t score,” he explained.
The Czech legend also rejected the idea that shooting a penalty in this style is disrespectful to opponents. “I don’t agree. At that moment, I thought it was the right way to score. In a European Championship final, you don’t think about mocking the opponent. My intention was never to ridicule anyone. I believed it was the best way to score,” he explained.
Panenka’s words carry weight because he is the man who gave his name to this technique. In 1976, during the European Championship final, he calmly chipped the ball down the middle of the goal against West Germany.
That penalty secured Czechoslovakia’s win and became one of the most iconic moments in football history. Since then, countless players have tried to imitate the “Panenka,” but it remains a risky move, especially in decisive matches.
For Morocco, the missed penalty was especially painful because it was the shot that could have delivered the Atlas Lions their long‑awaited trophy after a half-century wait. For Brahim Díaz, it will likely be remembered as a lesson in the importance of preparation and knowing how to handle decisive moments under pressure.
Also read: In Defense of Brahim Diaz: Legends Fall and Return Stronger
