Brahim Diaz's missed "Panenka-esque" penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations final continues to spark debate weeks later. And perhaps the most qualified to comment on this particular penalty-taking style is Antonin Panenka.
Panenka stated, "It took me two years of consistent daily training before I dared to take that kind of penalty. I'm certain Brahim didn't train deeply enough before choosing to take it. He just tried it on a whim, which is why I think he missed."
However, Panenka disagreed with the view that "taking that kind of penalty is disrespectful to the opponent."
"I disagree with that statement. At the time, I just felt it was the best way for me to score. In a moment like the European Championship final, you don't think about mocking your opponent. My intention was absolutely not to humiliate anyone; I just thought it was the best way to score," he responded when asked about the matter.
Finally, when asked who his best successor in this penalty-taking style is, Panenka did not give a clear answer.
"Many people have tried it, but I haven't seen everyone take it. It's hard to say who does it best," he said.