Opta: World Cup penalty conversion rate hits record-low 65%, with 39 of 60 penalties scored

Is there any possibility this is related to the ball’s weight?

This WC is WC of Goalkeepers

Nowadays, players overthink penalty kicks. If they practice regularly, they just need to pick a corner and strike the ball with power—success is almost guaranteed. Constantly trying to deceive the goalkeeper with rhythm is extremely difficult.

There have been far too many outstanding goalkeepers at this World Cup—so many that it’s been hard to keep count since the group stage, with each one delivering exceptional performances.

Are there any that meet all the criteria?

This rule could be trialed in lower-tier leagues: for fouls committed inside the penalty area during regular time, replace the penalty kick with a “one-on-one” scenario—placing the ball on the penalty area line. The attacking player may shoot directly or dribble forward before shooting; the goalkeeper must remain on the goal line until the attacker touches the ball. All players except the shooter and goalkeeper must retreat behind the halfway line, and may only cross it to contest the ball after the shooter has touched it. If the match remains tied after 120 minutes, a conventional penalty shootout will still apply.

Goalkeepers have intensified their penalty-saving training, while penalty takers’ psychology has been thoroughly analyzed—leading to a decline in penalty conversion rates. Rather than over-analyzing penalty routines, players should focus more on refining their technique: striking the ball with power and precision, or aiming for the top corner of the net.

FIFA need to pass a new rule blinding the goal keepers. Otherwise they can’t use VAR to influence the result