How is a penalty shootout determined?

A penalty shootout is a method used to determine a winner when a match ends in a draw, particularly in knockout competitions where a definitive outcome is necessary to progress in the tournament. This process is established within the rules of the game and is implemented when regular and extra time have concluded without a goal difference.

During the shootout, each team takes turns attempting to score from the penalty mark, providing a clear and structured way to determine a victor. This format emphasizes the importance of the match's outcome and ensures that teams that cannot break the tie within regular and extra play ultimately face off in a skill-based challenge.

Other factors mentioned, such as the referee's decision, team performance throughout the match, or choices made by team captains, do not impact the implementation of a penalty shootout. Each of these alternatives overlooks the specific circumstances under which a penalty shootout is mandated, aligning it with the competitive format of knockout stages in tournaments.