I just watched the Euro 96 semifinal match England vs Germany and was amazed to see 9 out of 12 penalty kicks shot in the upper half of the goal, with goalkeepers standing practically 0 chance of saving them. This reminded me of the trend in modern football to have fewer and fewer spot kicks taken like this. Is this trend something I am hallucinating about or is it real, and if it is, why the change? I honestly can't remember any recent (past 3-5 years) penalty shootout where a significant portion of the spot kicks (i.e. > 40-50%) was placed high.

I think while all the players have consistently getting better technically, they all lack balls these days. You're far more likely to miss the goal with a high shot, yet the keeper is much more unlikely to save.

If you have confidence in your shot, you should always aim high. Luiz did it, and that cannon would've been saved by nobody.

Really makes me miss the likes of Ballack and Frings.

Y that is my theory as well, Germany Holland and Brazil had some really ballsy takers always, but wanted someone more informed maybe to say if plastic footballs have anything to do with it or change in training or whatever.

Cus you could do a Ramos lmao

You're freaking training everyday and earning milions ... and you lack the balls to shoot the ball in an unreachable zone for a gk ?

The balls are lighter. Trust me its more annoying