World Cup 2014:22 days to go

A total of 22 FIFA World Cup™ matches have been decided by a penalty shoot-out, the first in 1982 when West Germany beat France in the semi-finals and the most recent in 2010, when Uruguay edged out Ghana in the last eight, according to FIFA.com.

Germany, France, Argentina and Italy have all been involved in four World Cup shoot-outs, with the Germans – renowned specialists – the only nation to have won all four.

To date, two Finals have been decided by penalties, and both have involved Italy. In 1994, Brazil won 3-2 thanks to three unconverted spot kicks by the Italians, while 12 years later GliAzzurri triumphed 5-3 over France at Germany 2006 after finding the net with every attempt.

M.D