8 shots isn’t much, statistically. It’s not too implausible that his “real” percentage is in fact close to 80%, and he just got unlucky on those 8.
But it’s not like he only plays in the World Cup. What’s his overall career percentage of penalty kicks?
Like 80%.
The thing about Messi is that he’s so good at so many things. He’s an all-time great at: dribbling, shooting, and passing. And some of the things he’s amazing at feel like they should translate really really well into penalties. It’s shocking that he’s merely average.
I think it could be close for Ronaldo. It’s probably juuust about the World Cup win, but not by much.
I know, I was thinking he was the weak link in my argument. Portuguese Ronaldo mind, not Ronaldo Ronaldo.
A little lower than 80% percent (gift link):
You didn’t ask this variation, but it’s worth mentioning. If the ball rebounds from the woodwork and the shooter puts it in, the result is a goal kick for the defending team. The shooter cannot touch the ball a second time without another player touching it.
Oh yeh I know that, it’s the same principle as a free kick (or, for that matter, a corner or throw in) - the taker cannot touch the ball again before someone else can. My question was more about how the statistics would work, on the debate around penalty goals.