Kylian Mbappé performed EXTRAORDINARY under pressure in the 2022 World Cup final.
At only 23, he scored 4 goals, including 3 penalties, in which the one in the 118' min would secure a loss for France if he were to miss.
What did he do prior to these pressure kicks?
Thread 1/
At only 23, he scored 4 goals, including 3 penalties, in which the one in the 118' min would secure a loss for France if he were to miss.
What did he do prior to these pressure kicks?
Thread 1/
Background: Mbappé is one of the world’s best & most expensive players. Our study suggests status adds pressure & reduces penalty performance tandfonline.com
Being a Black player comes w additional risks of racist fallout if he were to miss, adding even more pressure. 2/
Being a Black player comes w additional risks of racist fallout if he were to miss, adding even more pressure. 2/
Prior to Mbappé's 1st penalty, Argentina’s players try mind games to disturb him.
Acuna lingers around the penalty mark, indicating he wants to scuff it up.
Mbappé puts his left foot down and waits for the referee. He quietly protects the penalty mark, with no extra fuss. 3/
Acuna lingers around the penalty mark, indicating he wants to scuff it up.
Mbappé puts his left foot down and waits for the referee. He quietly protects the penalty mark, with no extra fuss. 3/
Then, the notorious Emi Martinez emerges. First, Martinez appears to take a look at the big stadium screen, possibly to see if he’s in view. Upon finding he's not visible, he goes to work & attempts to kick the ball.
Mbappé simply lifts up the ball & lets the ref do his job. 4/
Mbappé simply lifts up the ball & lets the ref do his job. 4/
Specialist penalty takers have a consistent pre-shot routine to fall back on under pressure. So does Mbappé. He always glances over at the referee prior to his kick & reacts quickly to the whistle. Same on every kick.
Why something new when pressure is high? Normal is enough. 5/
Why something new when pressure is high? Normal is enough. 5/
The pressure on Mbappé’s 2nd penalty is massive. When down 2-3 in the 118th min, the premise is clear: if he misses the kick, France essentially will lose.
In our study on penalty shootouts, must-score-to-win shots are only scored 60% of the times. psycnet.apa.org 6/
In our study on penalty shootouts, must-score-to-win shots are only scored 60% of the times. psycnet.apa.org 6/
This time, Argentina's players are more aggressive. Martinez, Acuna, Otamendi & finally Fernandez try to actively disturb.
Mbappé is not alone though. While the referee deals with the biggest threat (Martinez), Fofana & Kolo Muani actively shield the penalty mark & Mbappé. 7/
Mbappé is not alone though. While the referee deals with the biggest threat (Martinez), Fofana & Kolo Muani actively shield the penalty mark & Mbappé. 7/
It’s beautiful to see France approach this last kick as a team, where they basically mark & block out each of their opponents, to give Mbappé space.
This is a trend in professional football in 2022 – many teams now view the individual act of a penalty kick as a team event. 8/
This is a trend in professional football in 2022 – many teams now view the individual act of a penalty kick as a team event. 8/
Once the opponents are cleared away, Mbappe takes one deep breath. Then back to focus on the referee. Although restless, he delivers a shot similar to number 1.
Key in such situations is to be comfortable about being uncomfortable & find a strategy to control yourself. 9/
Key in such situations is to be comfortable about being uncomfortable & find a strategy to control yourself. 9/
In the penalty shootout, Mbappé takes shot #1. Martinez tries his tricks, but Mbappé appears more at ease & just allows the referee to do his job.
He scores his 3rd penalty too. Every shot to his left. Martinez goes correctly on 2 (incl. this one) but the shots are too hard. 10/
He scores his 3rd penalty too. Every shot to his left. Martinez goes correctly on 2 (incl. this one) but the shots are too hard. 10/
Does a person's true character appear under big pressure?
For both French players who missed, Mbappé was first to step out of the huddle to get his devastated teammates back into the group.
Real team players speak w/ actions & are there for those who most need support. 11/
For both French players who missed, Mbappé was first to step out of the huddle to get his devastated teammates back into the group.
Real team players speak w/ actions & are there for those who most need support. 11/
France lost the World Cup final, but Kylian Mbappé was brilliant under pressure.
Caution needed when generalizing from one case, but lessons might include:
✔️Quietly handling opponent mind games without any fuss
✔️Falling back on a routine
✔️Accepting & giving team support
12/
Caution needed when generalizing from one case, but lessons might include:
✔️Quietly handling opponent mind games without any fuss
✔️Falling back on a routine
✔️Accepting & giving team support
12/
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Corrections:
1. Mbappé obviously did not score 4 goals in this game - he scored 3 and made his shot in the shootout. The latter does not count as a goal.
2. I badly misquoted my own study 🤦♂️ Post 6 should read: “must-score-to-NOT LOSE shots are only scored 60% of the times.”
1. Mbappé obviously did not score 4 goals in this game - he scored 3 and made his shot in the shootout. The latter does not count as a goal.
2. I badly misquoted my own study 🤦♂️ Post 6 should read: “must-score-to-NOT LOSE shots are only scored 60% of the times.”
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