Panenka

[puh-nen-kuh]

noun

Soccer.

1. a method for taking a penalty kick in which the player takes a slow, gently arching shot to the center of goal because the goalie is likely to have lunged to one side in anticipation of a faster ball targeting one of the goal’s edges.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Panenka¹

First recorded in 2000–05; named after Czech soccer player Antonín Panenka (born 1948)

Example Sentences

On his Azzurrini debut against Sweden in a European Championship qualifier, the 17-year-old netted a cheeky Panenka penalty.

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Bukayo Saka's saved early Panenka penalty and Kylian Mbappe's overruled spot-kick ensured the Gunners' progress wasn't without incident - but it was ultimately a win that will send a message to the rest of Europe.

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Saka will be one relieved man after passing up the chance to extend Arsenal's three-goal lead early on - seeing his Panenka penalty clawed away by Thibaut Courtois.

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I really can't see past a Chelsea win here, with Cole Palmer's Panenka penalty against Tottenham illustrating how high their confidence is.

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A cheeky 'Panenka' penalty for his second goal capped a fine display by Palmer, prompting former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher to compare him with Chelsea's footballing legends.

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