How can draws be settled without penalties?

Question

I'm out at the FIFA World Cup reporting daily for Yahoo!. Check my blog at http://www.yahoo.co.uk/lee-sharpe .

Answer 1

Easy---just take into account previous matches in the tournament. If after extra time, it is still a draw, the match goes to the team with the most points at the group stage, goal difference etc. At the beginning of each match one team knows it has to win to go through and will not play defensively. However, even the team that just needs a draw, still would have an advantage to win as a draw would count against them if they drew in the next round against a team which had won all its matches. Also the third group match for teams that had already qualified would still be worth playing attacking football. If this was adopted then the team with the most consistent performance would go through, rather than a weak team getting through on the lottery of penalties.

Answer 2

This is really a bizarre thing. No team ever wants to lose a thrilling epic on the basis of penalties. At the same time they all know that this fate awaits them should they not use their skill and ability to settle the matter during normal time. So really, whilst I do think its a shame that games are sometimes not settled using normal football, I have no sympathy. However in recent years I have really come to enjoy the penalty shootout as part of the whole event.

The SILVER goal was a good idea, as teams playyed on to the end of the playing period after a goal was scored but not as dramatic as the GOLDEN goal which actually finishes the game. However, with both of these, if no goal is scored we still end up with a penalty shootout.

I like the idea of a new PLATINUM goal. Where the teams play on, with no break until the game is decided by a goal. We could even see some 14 or 15 hour games!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

I think that the new Silver Goal (The full 30 Minutes in Extra Time) is complete rubbish and i would love to see the Golden Goal rule be thrusted back into the Footballing world. It is much more exciting than penalties (perhaps leave you with a few less Millimetres of finger nail but there you go) and would add to the Drama if it did go into Penalties afterwards. Just imagine it, World Cup Final, England vs Germany. 3-3 At the 90 Minutes, Rooney hits the crossbar. Klose just misses as the ball goes wide at the near post. Now, the 30 minutes is up as David Beckham takes Englands last penalty in the shootout. England have the advantage, 4-3 on Penalties. Beckham scores and the crowd goes wild as finally, a Penalty Shootout that puts a smile on English faces.



That my freinds, is a Penalty Shootout.

Answer 4

I have a solution that would keep the excitement of penalties while allowing football to determine the winner.

Penalties would take place before extra time in the same format they do now 5 penalties then sudden death. However the team that wins the penalties does not win outright. It would win if the subsequent period of extra time ended in a draw. Sounds complicated? Well the following example should clear it up. Imagine it is 1990 and the England v West Germany semi-final ends 1-1 after 90mins. West Germany win on penalties but then England have another 30 mins of extra time to win the game, they would be forced to attack. Germany could play for a draw as if the 30 mins of extra-time is a draw they would go through but obviously should England score they would then need to score.

I think this system would be good as

a) We would still get to see a penalty shootout (which we all love)

b) Football still ultimately decides the winner

c) No single player is singled out for blame, as even if he misses in the shootout the team still had 30mins to make amends.



Let me know what you think and if you think there are any disadvantages to the system.

Answer 5

I used to watch a bit of Major League Soccer (or whatever it is the Americans choose to call the delightful game that is FOOTBALL). Whether they still do it or not, I'm not sure. But I thought it an interesting way to settle a tied game.

After Overtime (EXTRA time to you and I) they would pick the ball up from the halfway line, take it on, dribble, to the left, to the right, a stepover, drop the shoulder, do the keeper with the eyes and slot that baby home! Or, of course, that was the plan! A very entertaining way to end a match!

I'm not saying that this is the way games should be settled, I quite like penalties to be honest, but, fortunatley, being a fan of the mighty Reds of Liverpool first and an England fan second, penalties are a nail biting, heart stopping, elation inducing way to WIN a match... The greatest come back of all time... 3-0 down at half time... Ahhhh.... Sorry! I digress. Ahem!... Now, where was I? Erm... Yes. Penalties! Keep em!

Answer 6

Instead of the usual extra time, bring on all the defenders and wait for penalties how about after the first 10 minutes each team is forced to bring off one player every 5 minutes until there are only 7 men left on the pitch for each side.



This would mean more open play and each manager would have to think about his strategy carefully as only those left on the pitch at the end of the extra time would be eligable for a penalty shoot out.



I don't think there is any other way to decide a draw in competion other than the final shootout. There is a lot of skill involved from both goalkeeper and penalty taker. It can mean heartache for one team and jubilation for the other but if you can't score goals in open play maybe you shouldn't be in the competition in the first place.

Answer 7

How about using the number of shots a team has at the opponents goal? You could have say one point for a shot off target and two points for a shot on target and maybe include shots that score say for five points. You would need an independent official to tally the scores, and the team with the highest score wins.



The problem with using yellow cards and offsides is that it may make the game less offensive and more defensive. France's Thierry Henry likes to play right up with the defenders as we saw in last nights game against Spain. I think that if he was aware that any offside offence would be taken into account in the result of a draw he may not be so willing to stand right up where he does. There is also the problem of bad decisions, and we have seen a lot of those in the World Cup so far.

Answer 8

I think that it should go to penalties as they provide much excitement but I feel at the penalty stage if a team is already down to 10 or less men through red cards etc then they are not really disadvantaged enough. Perhaps the penalty shootout should consist of 11 penalties from each team player on the pitch at the end of the extra time has to take one and then see if there is a winner. If one team has one player down due to a red card and all penalties are scored (unlikely i know) the team with most players would win!? Lee - you wouldnt off missed in that shoot out v. Portugal! At least its good to see a man utd player win the match!!!

Answer 9

I've never read so much pathetic/nerdy ways to end matches. The only response which is half decent is D Law who said it should be settled US style with a solo run one-on-one with the keeper. How anti-climatic it would be if someone tots up the amount of corners/shots or whatever at the end of the game. Also, if a team has had the most shots and not scored, surely the art of goalkeeping/defending is not rewarded for the opposing team? Penalties are the only way. It may not appear fair but it is exciting and the only way to break the deadlock.

Answer 10

Leaving league games and friendlies out, I would like to see the match awarded to the team with the least Yellow/Red cards.



If this is used, then a panel of judges, using an immediate replay of questionable incidents should also be invoked.



The ability to award yellows/red cards after half time and after the match based on video evidence, for example, punching a player off the ball, therefore out off Referees/Judges immediate view would be penalised.



This should go some way to improving discipline within the game.



Should a draw on this happen, then resort to a system such as yahoo's fantasy points system, or the opta index, and total up the points for each player. Awarding the game to the highest scoring team.



The Judges and equipment used, are to be paid for by fines levied on the clubs/players for the incident.



The panel of judges would also help stop mistaken / biased referees, (England v Paraguay & Italy v Australia)



Simply using shots on goal is unfair as games between clubs of differing caliber and ranking would be grossly unfair. e.g.,



Lower league teams playing Premiership teams in the FA cup, that may not have the skill to surge forward every two minutes, but can defend valiantly.

Answer 11

Penalties are not a lottery,but a system which historically has been proven to favour the most successful sides,simply because their players have more experience at these encounters and who when being matched on the day for 120 mins by so-called lesser opponents know they can simply shut up shop and play for penalties ,confident that they will win the shoot-out. (i.e Liverpool in 2006 FA cup Final)



Bring back golden goals;if no result after extra time,let the teams replay the following morning for 30 minute periods until someone scores.

If penalties are retained ,then in the event of a draw AET any team who has used more penalty shoot outs to progress in earlier rounds should automatically go out.

Answer 12

People say that penalties are an unfair way to decide a match, but why exactly is this. Like football itself, penalty taking is an art. Whether it's about the player knowing where to place the ball or the keeper knowing where to dive many great players have penalties down to a tee.



Exactly how else could a match be decided. by playing until a goal is scored. This could go on forever, and can't exactly be too healthy for the players. Other people say that the toss of a coin would work. Hardly fair is it?? I don't personally think there is any other way.

Answer 13

How about a count back. For example the team that has the highest goal difference wins. Then, if still equal, say the team that has scored the most goals in the competition.

Perhaps bonus points could be used in some way say a team that scores more than two goals in any game gets a bonus point which can then be used as the third countback and also in deciding the group placings.

As a follower of premiership rugby bonus points have made for an interesting league table.

Answer 14

after the extra time period, reduce each side by two players for five minutes, then a further two etc until there is a result, it could end up as a five a side on a full size pitch, removing the offside rule once there are only 7 a side would get a result.



it is also a test of fitness and increases excitement. From a refereeing perspective it takes away the awful task of choosing which end penalties are to be taken as you always offend half the fans.



from a players point of view a player is not singled out as being the one who missed the crucial penalty.

Answer 15

I think that after say 15 minutes of extra time a player from each team should be taken off every 5 minutes, the less people on the field will surely create an exciting finish and a goal to finish off the match. Penalties can be so 50/50

Answer 16

Hey Lee, why not award the game to the team who gain the most corners, that way it would encourage more attacking play and make for a better spectacle for the fans. I still believe that pens are the only real way of deciding the issue of draws though. I have heard the idea of next goal wins but how many games have you watched where you said to yourself that the game could go on all day without anyone scoring, so i really don't see that as a viable option.

Answer 17

One way would be on discipline. The side with the least red and yellow cards wins. However some of the refering decisions made at this world cup would make that too controversial.

A second alternative would be corners. This would give the victory to the most attacking side.

I certainly think we need an alternative to penalties because it is a system that always creates an undeserved villain. Even a declaration by the referee of who wins (as in some boxing matches would be preferable.

Answer 18

Hows about the penalties are taken before extra time. The winners of the penalty shoot out go into extra time with a 1-0 lead, extra time is then played with each goal score counting as double? (giving possible results of 1-0, 1-2, 3-2 etc)



This way, there will always be a winner and i believe that extra time would be more exciting, with 1 team always having to attack.

Answer 19

Personally I think penalties are okay but here's some alternatives:



- Extend with 15 minutes endlessly until a goal is scored. No golden goal during the first 2x15 minutes

- Percentage of ball possession: highest number wins.

- Team with most shots on goals wins.

- Fair Play during this and earlier matches in the tournament decides who wins

- Who has paid Sepp Blatter the most money wins



BTW The final should never be decided on penalties. In that game I'd much rather see a complete replay of the match.

Answer 20

Simple. Whenever the attaking side makes an 'outstanding attempt on goal' i.e. they force the goalkeeper to make and outstanding save, they score 3 points. A 'good attempt on goal' could score one point. This would encourage attaking football and prevent untalented defensive teams from grinding out a nil-nil draw and winning on penalties.



Too often these days we have 90 minutes + 30 of boring football and then ten minutes of excitement! I don't find penalty shootouts attractive to watch and they do not reflect which is the better side.



For me, a game has to be decided within the playing time. I would even consider chaniging the offside rule for the extra time period, anything to avoid a penalty shootout!

Answer 21

At the end of extra time, play a further 2 halfs of 10 minutes, allow another 3 sub to come on and totally eliminate off side rules, trows become indirect free-kicks and free kicks wall moved to 15 metres and a maximum of 3 players in the wall.



Should there be no winner after the 20 minutes, carry on until the first team scores.

Answer 22

Well, to avoid lame draws going to penalties (i.e Ukraine v Switzerland) the solution is the amount of shots on goal that the team had during regulation time. The team with the most shots at goal wins. This would then at least create more of a spectacle for the fans who came to witness some entertainment and not to see which team is better at making supporters watch paint dry!

Answer 23

I think at the end of the game (90 minutes) they should go to extra time when extra time starts both teams should take a man off and every 5 minutes another one until a goal is scored, first goal the winner. This would rule out the lottery of penaltys and would stop teams being negative and would be very exciting when the pitch starts to open up! What do you think Sharpey? Approach Sepp and if he goes for it we can go 50/50 on the royalties!

Answer 24

Well, I would prefer Penalty shoot-out over Golden Goals, because it is much more exciting. BUT, I would like to point out, I wish that the distance between the goal and the penalty line could be a bit longer, because it really comes down to guesswork in the end, both for the player and the keeper. If the line is pulled back a bit, I think that would be more interesting, and last second victory (like the italians) would be less likely because you would really need accuracy to score, instead of guessing.

Answer 25

When 90 minutes is up and extra time is to be played they should disallow any subs, instead they should take off a player from each side every five minutes, as follows:



at 0 mins - The central defender with the lowest number goes off (meaning one of the best defenders has gone e.g. No 5 or 6)

at 5 mins - A Midfielder goes off again the lowest number goes off

at 10 mins - Another defender goes off

at 15 mins - Another midfielder

at 20 mins - Another defender

at 25 mins - Another midfielder



Therefore giving more space for forwards to score as the defence will hardly be there



We are talking goals goals goals in extra time. If after 30 mins it has not been decided then the goalies go off and a forward goes in - the next goal wins !!!!



It might be silly - but extremly entertaining for us fans instead of 30 mins waiting for penalties

Answer 26

there is no other way 2 settle it. would this question be asked if eng-ger-land had won,i think not,jus learn how to take penalties and u may have a chance.ur team is hyped up by ur media, u guys just are not good enough,realise that u have no god given right to win major tournaments, sven was a P R man,he picked who d papers said he should pick,a 17 yr old whoishe, a captain who is paid to do little more than take a free kick or a corner. bex is a superstar 4 being a superstar not 4 wat he does on a football field,quite frankly d lad is a waste,does mcclaren have d bottle to send him packin,4 ur sake i hope so,A.cole G.neville Rooney Owen all injured and still brought to the party even tho i have played more ball with my daughter in the park than they have done all season, is sven off his head.We will surely hear in the next few days of how, come euro 2008, this england team will have peaked well sorry lads face reality this team this new manager from middlesborough no less and this hype that u throw around ur team is not upto scratch and the faster yiz realize this the faster yiz can sort out d men from d boys and then maybe do well in a tournament. Rid the game of penalties because you guys keep losing on them is no more than i expect from a shower of sour losers, deal with it. i mean did yiz really expect to win d world cup,are u guys up in d clouds. from a happy irishman who lumped his money on d portugees and got a double delight in watching u all cry like little girls. not that it surprised me,i mean ur captain wears his missus" knickers,wata roll model

Answer 27

Penalties is the nature the when a draw occurred, it is just like before u get out of the house u need to wear shoes..... There is nothing to replace penalties, but there is one in my mind. Since football involves big bucks why not do it through votes via-sms.



The football association would love to see money right?? So as long there is a draw spectators can get involve as well and not just the players or the association. So decision is not depending on referees, players or the worst (associations) but people who love the game.

Answer 28

The team who has the most corner kicks in the game, should be awarded the game! This was an old rule used so I'm led 2 believe, used when st.mirren played barcelona it was in the rules if the game was stalemate. This took place as a friendly summer tournament featuring english and scottish league founders st.mirren and notts county, in the early part of the 1900's. But the rule was'nt used as st.mirren won the final game. The cup is on display in the paisley museum as the barcelona cup!

Answer 29

Golden goal and add in taking an additional player off of each team at the start and every 15 minutes in overtime until you get down to 8 a side. If one team started with less player(s) due to red card(s), they should have that many players less...If no team has one after 45 minutes then the team with the least amount of infractions wins...



I hate penalty shoot outs, a coin flip is just as good...

Answer 30

After full time, a player from each team leaves the field of play every ten minutes !



Easy to police with the 4th official holding up the players numbers on the electronic board given to him by the coaches. Ref stops play at next available opportunity close to the 10 minute mark and the players come off. Play the game til a team scores.

Answer 31

I didn't like the golden goal because teams had no chance to get back into the game and could get beaten by a freak deflection.The silver goal was a better idea in my opinion.Having said all that,there will always be the possibilty of penalties and like them or loathe them,it seems to be the best way to decide drawn games.Maybe shots on goal or corners could be counted up to decide but penalty kicks involve the skill of the participants and as such is a good way to decide the game in my opinion.

Answer 32

Football is a game of skill with one team attempting to beat another using their skills and tactics. If the outcome is a draw then it is only right and proper that skill should be used to determine the outcome and penalties like it or not are a skill. It is unwise to go back to continuing playing until one side or the other scores (pre 1800's) as this is detrimental to the health of the players and could in theory result in games lasting for hours if not days. To use corners or percentage statistics as a means of control is to pre-determine that the skills of defending are less than those of attacking and although goals win games, their prevention is also a key skill. So we should keep penalties and teams like England should learn to practice this key skill.

Answer 33

Personally I hate penalty shootouts. I like the NHL's (ice hockey) way of doing things and just keep playing the golden goal rule but after 120 mins of playing that isn't really feasible especially in heat like they had in Germany and in heat like they will have in South Africa as cramp would become dangerously evident and exhaustion could become serious for health reasons.



Sadly though I guess Pens after 120Min's is the easiest and fairest way..IF they were going to change it I'd like the below idea;



After the 120Min's played if the score is tied reduce the pitch size in length by half (Move one goal to the centre line).



Take 5 player's off from each side, thus reducing the number of players to 5 aside plus a keeper.



Play a enlarged 5 aside style game with no off sides and areas surrounding the goals that are for keepers only ( like 5 aside where players and defenders can't go).



I think this idea would suit fans for entertainment as it'd be fast paced and involve lots of action. Use the golden goal rule OR play 15 Min's total score and IF then the score is again tied play golden goal. You could even allow 1 player extra for rolling subs on and off. No subs allowed otherwise (injury or no injury).



Only down side is I guess to be fair they'd have to make the pitch in the middle of the ground otherwise on side of fans behind the keeper will be more or less out of view for the action.

Answer 34

After extra time the teams carry on playing, then, every five minutes the manager of each team selects one player of the opposing team to come off. The choices must be made simultaneously to the referee. They would not be allowed to remove the goalkeeper.

The game would continue to a conclusion. If it got to the situation of just the two goalkeepers remaining (which I could never see happening) it could then be resolved by flipping a coin, 1 penalty each (goalkeepers), or some other one on one remedy.

Answer 35

The best way to avoid a penalty shoot-out is to simply reduce the number of players per team after regulation time, say 9 per team. Reduce that number by another 2 to 7 per side for the second period of extra time and you would end up with a result more often than not.

Answer 36

play the game we used to play in shroggs park - american penalties - probably so named out of an understanding of americas lack of appreciation or comprehension of the game they call soccer......... the ball is placed at the half way line and the penalty taker is given a set amount of time to attack the goal that is deffended by the goal keeper only. the clock is started and the attacking player has, to begin with 30 seconds in which to score; then the opponent repeats the process and each time a goal is scored 5 seconds are taken off for the next attack ie 25 seconds for the next attack for any thickos reading this. we used to find it amused us and although it doesn't do away with the penalty scenario it is fun to watch.......... if thats not a good suggestion then just give the win to the team with the fittest female supporters 'cos the camera guys insist on showing us the tallent from each band of supporters and i dunno about you but i would rather see some bronzed godess from italy than some pasty porker from...... oops! only england seem to be providing those and i want us to continue winning

Answer 37

There is only one sane way to deal with this... it still involves penalties, BUT...

Have the shoot-out if scores are tied after 90 minutes, i.e. BEFORE extra time.

The team that wins the shoot-out gains an advantage point - call it half a goal if you like.

THEN you play the 30 minutes of extra time.

So - the team that loses he shoot-out can still win the game, and only has to score once to do so.

If nobody scores, the team with the advantage wins.

The game can no longer be tied, and will be won and lost in normal play.

The player who misses a penalty has a chance to redeem himself, and will no longer be demonised.

And extra time will no longer be 30 minutes of passing the ball around being scared of going forward.

Answer 38

Team with the highest number of shots which the opposing keeper has had to save wins. Alternatively the team with most poccession or fewest backpasses. Could make the goals slightly bigger as keepers are massive these days. Could modify offside rule so there is an offside zone, so players can't push up to the half way line. I hate penalty shoot outs personally as many teams seem to play for them from the KO.

Answer 39

I don't particularly like football. But there is one thing that is obvious here; it's a TEAM game. Two teams playing each other; so why decide who wins by putting one man against another? If there's a draw - and a more decisive result is paramount, go into extra time - not the first to score, but actual extra time and keep doing it. The fitter - and better - team will eventually win. Or put a snooker table on the pitch and go one-to-one.......

Answer 40

uld consist of 11 penalties from each team player on the pitch at the end of the extra time has to take one and then see if there is a winner. If one team has one player down due to a red card and all penalties are scored (unlikely i know) the team with most players would win!? Lee - you wouldnt off missed in that shoot out v. Portugal! At least its good to see a man utd player win th

Answer 41

I definitely agree that penalties are a horrible way to leave a tournament. It's not football, it's not the beautiful game. I've heard others say it- KEEP PLAYING. Start taking players off the field... maybe have free subs like hockey after a 120 minutes. When the number of players gets to low, someone is bound to score. If the players are too tired, it's their own fault that they failed to score. Come on FIFA! Let the football players keep playing football!

Answer 42

At full time, all the players stand at the halfway line. The referee gives each player a ball. Each team has a different coloured ball.



The players then have to punt the ball up towards the goal, but the ball must remain within the field of play. After all balls have been kicked, the winning team is the team with the ball (within the field of play) closest to the goal line.

Answer 43

I propose that teams play 15 mins extra time with 11 players, if after that time no one scores then each team has to reduce its players to 9 men, if after another 10/15 mins then they have to take off 2 more reducing it to only 7 a side. This will open up the field of play making it more likely more goals will be scored. Only the fittest will survive !

Answer 44

The simple answer is they cannot!!! Penalties are the ultimate test. It is the yin and yang of football. Goalkeeper versus goalscorer.

The intensity of a penalty shootout cannot possibly be replicated by any other means. To get rid of the sudden death shootout would steal something intrinsic to the game. I mean imagine if the game were decided on something banal as percentage of possession? Penalties are best and always will be... stop trying to change things when they are not broken!!!

Answer 45

There are 2 ways.

Firstly, rather than penalties, team are able to place the ball anywhere on the half-way line and try and score and open goal. This would test the teams skill and technique.

Or, you play extra time with no offsides which will make the game really exciting.

Answer 46

A game could be settled without penalties by awarding the game to the team who has had the most shots of target during the game. Although this would probably cause more arguments than solutions - I don't think there is a fairer than penalties to be honest - it's just a shame we tend to get beat on them !!!

Answer 47

I think they should take American-style penalties, take the ball from the half-way line and run it in for a goal. That is more a test of skill than a spot kick where the goalie picks a direction and sometimes gets lucky.



The team that can win by running the ball in from the half-way line demonstrates more skill and deserves to win if all else fails.

Answer 48

The Team with the least booked or sent off players in the match or the tournement. Could stop the flood of yellow and red cards



Also how about introducing a middle card orange or amber for second minor offence on the pitch.

Answer 49

Just keep playing until someone scores, after a while tiredness will set in & inevitabely someone will score. I think most teams would prefer that, rather than the lottery of penalties. I know they will be more tired for the next round in a comp such as the world cup, but, thats where the skill of juggling your squad comes in.

Answer 50

The team with the bigger goal difference in the group stages goes through. It would encourage a higher goal ratio in the group stages anyway (and previous knock out stages where applicable) encouraging more open and exciting games throughout the tournament. It would also stop teams playing for penalties. Extra time could still be played, but it would be a lot less cautious.

Answer 51

This is a difficult one to answer. The penalty situation does not seem to be the answer and yet a replay or even playing until the team scores the first goal could be a tasking situation for the players. maybe it could that extra subsitutes could come on in extra time, but still keeping to the 3 subs for the main match. I really dont know. difficult

Answer 52

The team who has scored the most goals in the competition so far. if the same, then goal difference, if the same then best goal. If the emphasis is on getting the most goals you would hopefully stop negative matches like the Swiss and Ukraine match or players will be more ambitious or creative getting the goal of the tournament. more entertainment not that penalties aren't entertaining.

Answer 53

At first I thought about number of attempts on goal which would promote attacking football, but is open to arguments about what constitutes an legit attempt, and could still be equal.

I like the idea of moving the spot back for match deciding kicks though (not for normal penalties). It would depend more on skill than (almost) pure luck

Answer 54

in extra time after 5 Min's take a defence player of each team, 5 Min's later a midfield player at half time a forward, after 5 Min's of 2 half one other player, coach to decide when time to come off. last 10 Min's the goal keeper to position himself the 'D' and can only move back when the opposing team reaches a predetermined line say half way between centre line and goal line.The attacking team are not allowed to attempt to score until they pass the predetermined line.

I think penalties just degrade the game of football as a means to who wins and who does not.

Answer 55

Easy answer is to use the Silver goal. The game does not end immediately and encourages attacking play but without instant failure. If that doesn't work, perhaps players being withdrawn - one every 3-5 minutes of extra time - could be an answer?

Answer 56

After 90 minutes take a player off each side. Fiirst goal scored wins. If still no score continue taking player off every five minutes until a goal scored. After 30 minutes extra-time it would be 5 a side, extremely exciting and surely the extra space would create a goal !

Answer 57

After playing the extra 30 minutes, keep them playing under Golden Goal rules until someone gets one!! A variation could be to take a player off every 5 minutes!

Answer 58

This would mean more open play and each manager would have to think about his strategy carefully as only those left on the pitch at the end of the extra time would be eligable for a penalty shoot out.

Answer 59

Count up the total time the ball spends in each half. After extra time, if the game is still a draw, the team which has had the ball in its own half the longest loses. This discourages defending a one goal lead too deeply.

Answer 60

There is no other way apart from replays. Penalties are a good test of nerve and character of the players. I know they can be cruel and seem unfair for fans of the teams playing but what tension and excitment none the less and i'm English so know what it is like to lose them.

Answer 61

Their isn't an easy way because of the schedule that the world cup has to adhere to, if it has to be penalties, i think it's only fair that the nominated penalty taker takes all his teams penalties, against the opposing teams goalkeeper. That way it is fairer than anyone of the team who hasn't taken a penalty in his life before making a complete idiot of himself. Its got to be the better solution.

Answer 62

in the world cup, time factors wouldn't allow anything else. why not award a point per goal + 3 for a win, this (might just) make it more entertaining to watch as there would still be something to keep them attacking after scoring 1 goal instead of negative play as we regularly see at the moment

Answer 63

They should have penalties after 90 mins. First team to go ahead will take the advantage in extra time. (Similar to the away goal rule.)

If a team wins in extra time then they win the game.

If it's still level then the winner of the penalties wins.

It might not remove penalties, but it gives England a chance if it does go to penalties to still win...

Answer 64

1.In the 'extra time' make one or two players per team leave the field every ten minutes, till it's just two on each side, then let them slog it out till there's a score.



2.During extra time,the first team to score is the winner. If no-one scores then keep them playing till they get a score.



The game should be between two teams not one against one,as in penalties.

Answer 65

Idea 1:

Play the 30 minutes extra time and if the scores are still level abolish the offside rule and play sudden death.......though this could take hours.....

Idea 2:

Take the goal keepers off the pitch and paly the 30 minutes without goalies. Any player is allowed to save but without use of hands..............

Answer 66

by adding up the number of shots on target on goal? the team with the most wins?? stands to reason they'll have been trying really hard if they have the most shots. I'm woman that doesn't take a huge interest in football but I also think it would promote more interesting games too if players had that hanging over them. I'm not sure about the down sides, i'm sure all you footy fanatics would think of plenty!

Answer 67

Why dont they do it like boxing, and have a point system running in the background, only to be used if its a draw. E.g. A foul would mean negative points, but a shot on target, positive. This could be applied to possesion, corners, even arguing with the ref! Not sure if its a realistic way of doing things, but i think it would work......

Answer 68

Toss a coin before the match starts. The winner of the coin toss is awarded the game in the event of a draw. This will encourage the team who lost the coin toss, as they know they *have* to score more than the other team.

Answer 69

You have a great selection of suggested solutions. As in Boxing, develop a points system combining length of time a team possesses the ball with most attempts at goal minus number of off-sides, fouls and substitutions.

Answer 70

After extra time you start eliminating a player after every minute, so after 1 minute, it will be 10 a side, then after another it will be 9 a side, that will open up the game and the game will be decided more quickly. Less of a lottery than pens.

Answer 71

Penalties!!!



Maybe do them from Centre Spot, Player has to run towards goal and it's a one on one situation.



It's never gonna change, It brings character in to people look at Stuart Pearce, Missed on the big stage and then during the Euro 96 I think he banged a peno home and was named Psycho.

LEGEND!!!



Never would have happend with Golden Goal!!

Answer 72

i would agree with shots on target through the match with -1 for any yellows and -2 for any reds with a -3 for anyone booked for diving! The announcement in the centre circle - with both captains - like the boxing matches! Imagine the suspence whilst the scores were totted up!

Answer 73

You play normal 90 mins if a draw at full time you then play the normal 30mins extra time if at the end of that period it is still a draw instead of going to penalties, You then play Golden Goal i.e frst one to score wins

Answer 74

Why change it?



Penalties are the most exciting and interesting way to end a match for everyone wtaching.



Any other rule would involve reference to some other random statistic - cleanest team from normal plus extra time, team with most possession, team with most corners etc. etc. With the exception of the losing team and their fans, everyone else watching the game is delighted with penalties. You'll never please everyone so may as well please the majority.



Are you still dating Abit Titmuss?

Answer 75

Are you mad?!!

Penalties are amazing drama.

I was praying that the Switzerland v Ukraine game went to penalties just to inject some excitement! Imagine if that had been won by a sloppy set piece goal with 2 mins to go!

Answer 76

I don't see anything wrong with penalties....If two teams can't be separated over 120 minutes then it should come down to individual players. Besides penalties are much better than the golden goal which proved to be anti climatic.

Answer 77

Golden Goal

Answer 78

Change it so that you can win each half, the first half is like the first leg, if it's a draw then penalties to win the first half (1st leg). Then the same with the second half (Second Leg). If it's 1 Leg each then a (3rd Leg Decider) 30 mins each way.



Sounds more stupid now I've written it!

Answer 79

Todays technology dont need assistants in the stadium like Cricket does, instead the referee could have a pda attached to his arm, and rplay pictures form all angles cand be beamed to the PDA through WIFI and Ref then can make a decision ie did he dive, was it a penelty or was a goal etc....

Answer 80

instead of penalties then either give each manager a gun and walk them at 20 paces and see who shots the other 1 first...or.....make it a free-kick shoot-out. 5 players get the chance to score from 5 different set points within free-kick range. That would be fun.

Answer 81

Shots on goal. Team with highest number of shots on target win.

Personally i enjoy the drama of penalties and think they should stay. That Golden Goal idea was a farce, never seen anything so unfair in my life!

Answer 82

At the start of extra time, each side must opt to leave 3 players out (leaving 8 per side). If no one has scored by the end of the first half, then another 3 players must be taken off (leaving 5 per side)......Someone will score !!

Answer 83

Russian Roulette. The captains of each team have to spin the chamber of a .44 Smith & Wesson Magnum, and pull the trigger whilst aiming at their own head. I would so watch that!



I HATE football. I mentioned that before.

Answer 84

bring in ice hockey style penalty shootouts, ball is placed on centre spot, attacker gets to dribble to the goal and shoot, the keeper can come out and challenge. The play ends when the ball is held by the keeper, a goal is scored or the ball goes out of play.



Makes it fairer on the keeper and ads extra excitement

Answer 85

I think at the end of full time, each team should be reduced by 2 or 4 players to make the extra time more open.

Answer 86

Keep playing 20 minute units of extra time,10 minutes each-way until there is a result, and do NOT allow any subsitutions after the completion of normal time.

Answer 87

I would say total up points for yellow cards / red cards (1 point for a yellow, 2 for a red). The team with the least points wins. If more cards were given for diving, this would tackle the other problem (no pun intended) that Sharpey raised in dealing with this issue.

Answer 88

After extra time,each team has to take a player off, then every 5minutes there after another player has to come off. Then the first team to score wins. If it got down to goalie v goalie then it would be a sudden death penalty shoot out

Answer 89

headers and volleys, 3 players and keeper from each side play headers and volleys for 15mins, if the opposing keeper makes more saves than the players score goals then that team wins or vice versa if the team scores more goals than the keeper makes saves then they win. goals can only be scored of a header or a volley. Keeper has to hold the ball to be classed as a save.

Answer 90

You should have Golden Goal and the manager has to take a player off every 5 minutes until there is a goal. That way you will ensure the extra time doesnt go on for hours as after half an hour, you would be down to 5-a-side creating more space and a certain goal.

Answer 91

I played in a lunchtime league of two 15 minute half's, lots of draws, winner decided by corner kick count. This would also encourage attacking games. video refs should also be used to prevent bad decisions by the ref and linesmen

Answer 92

Sudden death overtime where they keep playing untill one team scores, this should solve the problem of playing for penetlys and stuff and forces both teams to go on the attack.



the problem with most options is due to tv broadcasting and knockout stages of cups is there has to be a result on the night and TV cannot go on brodcasting indefently.

Answer 93

best solution is to withdraw 4 players on each side to prevail more open game where surely each team will score and thus real force of team will be reflected. Team with best individuals qualities and technic will surely win. Many more ideas arises from this solution which is the best.

Answer 94

After extra time, put only four men on the pitch for both sides. The first team to score wins.

Answer 95

After 90 minutes take off 2 players from each team

Play for 15 minutes. Still drawn? Take off 2 players from each team again.

Play for 15 minutes. Still drawn? Take off goalkeepers and play until one team scores.

Easy. And fun. And lots of goals.

Answer 96

I think that after they have played extra time it should go to a panel of judges. They can judge it on style and the team who are trying to win the game the most (not the ones who are sat back hoping to nick it on pens....

Answer 97

every 3 minutes of play each team has to get rid of a player unless they hav scored in that 3 minutes. the team that has the most players left at the end of 20 minutes wins.

Answer 98

Use that "multi-ball" format they have on that Budweiser ad. (I can't be the only one who thinks that's a good idea.)



Otherwise, (as someone suggested earlier) hold the pen shootout BEFORE extra time - meaning that if it's still a draw after extra time, the shootout winners are awarded the victory.



This idea's got legs (if only because it will force at least one team to attack).

Answer 99

Here's my plan: If there's still no winner after extra time , take all the players off the pitch, and replace them with their coaching teams/ management. That way you can actually blame the coach if your team crashes out of the competition!

Answer 100

How about awarding the game to the team who has won the most corners throughout the match. Therefore the team who has had most of the attack would be declared winners.

Answer 101

An extra-time without goalkeepers....e.g. 10 mins with 10 players from each team without the goalkeepers...theres bound to be lots of goals!

Answer 102

I believe in extra time you could apply constraints when on the ball, like 2-touch. Its easy to employ and concentrates on technique and ball control of the whole team, thus could potentially increase standard of technical football all round, like the off-side rule has increased the use of space in football today.

Answer 103

The team who have commited the least fouls win.

Foul=1pt Yellow Card=3pt Red Card=5pt

Answer 104

Most shots on target from inside the penatly, (inside the penalty to save players shooting from ridiculus distances to claim a shot on goal count)

Answer 105

5 a side golden goal on a full size pitch.



With the extra space and lack of stmina a goal would be scorred very quickly.

Answer 106

why not go back to a method that was used in Scotland many moons ago (may have been used elsewhere)of counting corner kicks won thus ensuring the most attacking team won over the boring defensive team, would work for me

Answer 107

How about the team with the least sendings off, yellow cards etc. wins? Might make for a less hotheaded game.

Answer 108

It has to be settled with penalties if the draw because thats the only good tie breaker they can think of.

Answer 109

1. My first choice would be to directly rematch the game. With maximum of 11 players to be substituted.

2. Second, I agree to calculate whoever teams has had the most Shots on Goal.

Answer 110

Whoever has the most possession in the final third of the field.



first team to score from open play



team with the most attacking formation. would attract goals also

Answer 111

Lots of people have suggested removing players periodically...

How about ADDING balls? after 30 mins extra time, if still a draw play another 5 mins each way with two balls on the pitch.... that should keep them on their toes!

Answer 112

Award the attacking team the game by how many shots on target and how many corners won - after extra time.

Answer 113

a player from each team could have a game of snake and ladders 1st one to the top wins and it is classed as a goal. don't let Rooney do it he has problem counting after 4

Answer 114

You could decide which team played the best, like how they do with boxing if there isn't a ko. It would mean the football wouldn't last so long. Ah well, what a shame. Not.

Answer 115

Go to fair play, least cards/fouls & you're the winner. If still a tie, fewest backpasses to the keeper, or fewest offsides etc.

Would give the 4th official something to do. But don't give the job to Mr Poll (his math is suspect) nor to Mr. Rennie (he gets everything wrong)!

Answer 116

Maybe game should be awarded to the team with most shots on target through out the match. this may encourage more attacking play.

Answer 117

Team with the least yellow / red cards wins thus a better chance of fair play.

Answer 118

...as in boxing ,points should be rewarded for any outstanding technical executions in the game .This is far better than a poor performing team blasting the ball and getting through on penalties.

Answer 119

It wouldn't solve nil nil draws but if the first goal counted as half and every one after as one, a score draw would be impossible.

Answer 120

go back to the old ways,when its still a draw after extra time,a replay,whoever brought in penalty shoot outs ought to be horse whipped,why not a toss of the ruddy dice or cut the cards huh???

Answer 121

With a General Knowledge test.

Answer 122

If its a draw then the team that scored first goes through

Answer 123

the golden goal seemed like a good idea. but it caused alot of teams to play defence rather than attack, and made the game of play a bit boring. i dont think you will find a better way of deciding a game

Answer 124

At the end of normal extra time, reduce each team by one player each, then play another 15mins each. First one to score wins.



Could start with removing the goalie !!!!

Answer 125

it should be the crossbar challenge that has been seen on soccer am...this because many people miss the bar and only a small number out of alot of people will hit it, so then people are not singled out if they miss the deciding penalty!

Answer 126

The first team to drink a yard of beer each the fastest wins.

Answer 127

count the number of fouls,red and yellow cards given in a game and award the win to the team with the least.

Answer 128

How about playing until somebody scores? We wouldn't see teams playing for extra time from about the hour mark.

Answer 129

They should just keep playing until one team scores.



This would encourage teams to go forward and attack, and not, as they did in the Switzerland vs. Ukraine game, sit back and play for penalties.



mind you, that game would probably still be going, as neither team looked as though they would EVER score.

Answer 130

after golden goal take the keeper out . fair enough you could place a man on the line , or a few but they couldnt touch the ball with there hands. would be exciting

Answer 131

Team with the least number of fouls committed. Would encourage fair play.

Answer 132

After extra time has expired, remove the keepers. The match would then be played until a goal is scored.

Answer 133

probably the best way would be to award victory to the team with the fewest bookings in the game. This would make players play "fairer" - with less dirty tackles and less diving.

Answer 134

Most attacking team wins - just count up the number of shots and corners. Its that easy.

Answer 135

Keep playing til someone scored the fitest team wins. or replay the game after extra timw which would be fare.

Answer 136

Maybe to save time, they could just throw the ball into pitch and whichever team gets possession wins.

Answer 137

DECIDE IT ON BEST ATTACKING PLAY DURING GAME.



TOT UP % POSSESSION IN OPPONENTS HALF; SHOTS @ GOAL; SHOTS ON TARGET AND BY A FORMULA CREATED BY SOMEONE BETTER AT MATHS THAN ME, DETERMINE WHO HAS CREATED MORE IN ATTACK AND TRIED TO WIN THE GAME.



OUGHT TO KILL OFF THE TEAMS DETERMINED TO GO FOR THE PENALTIES FROM THE START.................AND THE WAY ENGLAND ARE GOING AT THE MOMENT, WE WILL BE KNOCKED OUT EARLY!

Answer 138

Allow additional substitutions in extra time. Fresh legs will make scoring much more likely.

Answer 139

Why not take one player off every 5 minutes during extra time - that would get interesting (and tactical) fast.

Answer 140

The team who has had the most attempts at goal

Answer 141

Yes, with two 15 minutes extra times

A coin toss

Answer 142

i think that in extra time every 3 mins a player from each team should leave the pitch till its one on one keeper action

Answer 143

Take a pentaly shoot out .. and the team that wins it .. decides what should be done to settle the draw .. ha ha ha

Answer 144

They keep on playin until either some team scores or they pack up and head for home

Answer 145

Wrestle in jelly

Toss a coin

Arm wrestle

Tequilla drinking contest

A game of twister

Answer 146

My wife who knows nothing about football said that the first to score wins and try as I might,I can't fault the logic. You have to try to score first or keep attacking if you scored second.

Answer 147

extra time sudden deathwith no goalkeepers, team must score from inside 6 yard box to win

Answer 148

It used to be the Golden Goal.

Answer 149

Corners. If corners match then its red cards, then yellow cards etc etc That way you are rewarding the attacking team that doesn't need to cheat.

Answer 150

from quarter finals onwards teams should play each other in a best of three matches...time consuming but am sure the public would love it and it would add to the excitment

Answer 151

Goals from 'Open Play' should be worth more than goals from 'Set-Pieces' (free-kicks,penalties etc)

Answer 152

i think the team that has has the best disciplinary record for that game the least number of yellow and red cards should win

Answer 153

i don't see penalties as a problem. just beacuase we're useless at them, and always seem to bottle it, is no reason to replace them with something else. maybe if they practiced them a bit more, we'd stand a chance of winning.

Answer 154

The Gentlemans game of jousting, now thats would be intresting to watch!

Answer 155

are you really 'the' Manchester United Lee Sharpe??? ---plz answer, coz I don't think so

---At extra time (30 minutes)

Answer 156

Crossbar challenge from the halfway line.

Answer 157

Take freekicks instead? To be honest i thinks that the only way they could be settled

Answer 158

well i think theres only the golden goal really but thats not ideal because if theres no goal then what do you do keep playing so you end up with pens

Answer 159

Hi, give the game to the team who have conceeded LEAST free kicks, thus 'cleaning' up the game, especially with less DIVES.

Answer 160

Penalties just seem so unfair, i think the only way is a rematch...

Answer 161

Extra time, and I don't think a golden goal exists anymore.

Answer 162

Combination of shots at goal, and possession

Answer 163

give the two managers a pair of boxing gloves each. last man standing

Answer 164

By the amount of corner kicks conceded.



oops didnt see the answer above...same principle.

Answer 165

playing another 30 minutes of extra time (extra extra time) the fittest will win

Answer 166

Boxing match between the managers......mmmm.... Scolari vs Aragones - there's a fight you wouldn't want ever to end....

Answer 167

Why not play xtra time with yellow carded players removed...

Answer 168

i think that it should be 30 mins extra time and then it should go to golden goal

Answer 169

next goal wins?

makes the game better more exciting

Answer 170

golden goal (first team to score wins) or more extra time.

Answer 171

keep playing until some body scores

Answer 172

golden goal only option as every one will try a little harder for a result

Answer 173

who ever scored first takes the game simple as!

Answer 174

best looking team wins. that would put an end to south american dominance.

Answer 175

diving competition??

England would still go out tho ;-)

or better the team with the worst record of cards goes out!!!

Answer 176

if its a premiership match then it just goes down as a draw otherwise you cant

Answer 177

Toss coin.

Answer 178

vote for the winner by phone or text

Answer 179

replay the match two days later!

Answer 180

How about a good old fashioned punch-up?

Answer 181

golden goal.....keep playing until somebody scores...every five minutes remove one player from each side....now lets see em earn their money...!!!

Answer 182

Teams who have more posession should win the match!!!

Answer 183

Re-match!!!!!

Answer 184

draw straws

Answer 185

Leave them in. They are great.

Answer 186

Replay the game the next day

Answer 187

whichever team has fouled and dived the least should win!

Answer 188

mass brawl - we may see Vinnie Jones recalled for this reason..!!!

Answer 189

keep playing till they drop!

Answer 190

keep playing fifteen minute halfs

Answer 191

keepyupeys

Answer 192

two words... CROSSBAR CHALLENGE !