Yes, I remember Sanneh's kick. He had just gotten in from Germany and everyone deferred to him. Sanneh's kick was horrible and it just broke the Crew psychologically. Soccer's a cruel game.
From the LOTG, some applicable excerpts from Kicks from the Penalty Mark: - When a team finishes the match with a greater number of players than their opponents, they shall reduce their numbers to equate with that of their opponents and inform The Referee of the name and number of each player excluded. The team captain has this responsibility. - Each kick is taken by a different player and all eligible players must take a kick before any player can take a second kick. It doesn't say anything about order for the second round of kicks.
FWIW in FIFA or CM I usually have my best PK taker shoot 1st, my second-best guy shoot last, and the rest in order.
He was doing Jesse Marsch's stupid stutter trick. It worked f'ing once this season for Jesse, and now Jesse does it every damn time. As Armas lined up to take the kick, I was saying to the tv - "Please God, don't let him do the stupid stutter step." Didn't work. The whole premise is that the goalie WILL dive left or right in anticipation of the shot. THat's why he hesitated and then put it up the middle. If the goalie doesn't dive in anticipation of the shot - you look like an idiot. Mr. Armas, take a bow.
Trying not to be too much of a homer (and I do get a little defensive about Olsen - he gets a lot of abuse outside DC), but... As mentioned before, Olsen had fresh legs. Certainly not the only reason, but worth mentioning. Also, from what I read, folks stepped up to take the PKs. Some guys didnt want to take them - Quaranta stepped up and said he'd go first. I have no doubt that Olsen would have asked to take one - say what you want about his injury and losing a step over the years, he plays with intensity and is highly competitive. Doesnt mean the PK would have gone in, but he wouldnt shy away from taking it.
This happened in the U20 WC in Holland. Nigeria vs. Holland. They went through everybody (both keepers went last) and then the first guys to go went again. The Dutch guy missed. What I don't know is whether they had to go in the same order again - if they did tho, more reason to have best go first like you (and I) advocate.
This intensity/competitiveness is Chris Armas' problem. He's like The Little Engine Who Could, only much of the time he can't. I actually thought he played pretty well in the last 2 Gold Cup games, but what made him think he could take a PK well, especially after playing 120 minutes? Vanney would have been a much better choice.
I was talking about Olsen, not Armas. And Olsen only played 10-20 minutes, not 120. I would not have chosen Armas. Vanney would have been better. I was simply responding to folks who didnt like the fact that Olsen was slotted to take the 5th (as it was reported a few places)