Goalies who wait more likely to save penalties

Goalkeepers who wait for a penalty taker to shoot before diving have a much better chance of making a save than those who guess, according to scientific research.

The study, by the University of Portsmouth, showed that goalkeepers diving early led to 98 per cent of shots beating the keeper, compared with a 57 per cent chance it they waited.

It also found that standing tall in the middle of the goal often puts doubt in the mind of the taker and many then fluff their kick.

Dr Martina Navarro, a sport and exercise science lecturer, used players from youth academies in Amsterdam and Sao Paulo to carry out the tests.