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But anyone who thinks a penalty shoot out is a pure lottery (and it’s a common view to be fair) hasn’t seen enough of them.

I didn't say it was a lottery. I don't think it's random chance. But it is a gimmick. To play soccer for 100-some minutes and then suddenly start playing something else to decide who wins is ridiculous.

I understand it is exciting to watch, but it is unworthy of a championship level contest. Take the NHL. I think a penalty shot contest is a fine way to keep the fans happy and avoid ties on a frigid January night. But when playoff time comes, they play hockey, and only hockey, until a winner emerges.

You just can’t keep playing for ever. I remember the Italy v Brazil game. Players were collapsing with cramp all over the place. This also happened in the Liverpool v West Ham cup final – the last 10 minutes just weren’t a game as players could barely walk.

If you went on forever than the winning team would be hopelessly out of shape for the next game.