Few moments in a soccer game are more electrifying than the penalty kick. The goalkeeper stands, waiting for the kick – and even before the ball is struck they must predict where it is going and spring into action.
Their prediction will be built on years of reading run-ups, body positions and foot angles. But if you asked them after the game how they knew where the ball was going, they would struggle to describe the process. If the kick fooled them, however – if they were surprised by where it went – they will be able to replay the events with near perfect clarity.
