Argentina Reigns Supreme in Tiebreakers
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A tiebreaker means intense excitement, an extreme nerve-wracking battle. When that tiebreaker takes place on the World Cup stage, the tension reaches its peak. In World Cup history, the most successful team in tiebreakers is the defending champion, Argentina.
Penalty shootouts were introduced in the World Cup in 1978. The sky-blue-and-white jersey wearers have participated in 20 percent of all tiebreakers held so far.
Argentina has played in the most penalty shootouts in tournament history—a total of seven. Argentina's success rate in tiebreakers is unbelievable. The Albiceleste have won six out of seven. In the last World Cup, Lionel Messi's team overcame tiebreaker hurdles twice to become champions.
After Argentina, the teams that have participated in the most World Cup tiebreakers are Brazil, France, and Spain. They have each faced five tiebreakers. Brazil has won four, France three, and Spain two.
Although Argentina has won the most shootouts, Germany and Croatia hold the record for a 100 percent win rate in tiebreakers. Both teams have won all four of their tiebreakers.
Germany has found the back of the net the most times in shootouts. German footballers have scored 17 out of 18 penalty shots. They have not failed in their last 15 consecutive shots.
