The United States have turned to neuroscience and radar technology to solve football’s most nerve-shredding problem. While Germany and the Netherlands crashed out of the World Cup in penalty shootout defeats this week, the USMNT are relying on brainwave monitors and sensor data to ensure they do not suffer a similar fate against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday.
Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that his staff work with two specialist firms, Neuro11 and Trackman, to analyse every aspect of penalty taking. The partnership, formed 18 months ago, aims to remove the guesswork from high-pressure moments.
Neurological tracking and radar analysis
Neuro11 incorporates real-time EEG tracking—measuring players’ brainwaves—to study how footballers respond under stress. The company previously worked with Liverpool during Jürgen Klopp’s tenure, using helmet-mounted sensors during penalty practice. Trackman complements this by employing radar and other sensors to map ball movement with forensic detail.
The approach is already yielding results. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter credited Trackman with improving his set-piece delivery, a factor that helped him secure a place in the World Cup squad. The system allows coaches to base decisions on biometric data rather than gut feeling.
Predetermined order versus player choice
The method stands in stark contrast to the chaos that engulfed Germany following their defeat to Paraguay. German media reported that several players, including Leon Goretzka, Waldemar Anton, Nathaniel Brown and Malick Thiaw, declined to take a penalty, forcing Jonathan Tah—who had never attempted one professionally—to miss the decisive kick.
Pochettino is determined to avoid such uncertainty. “It is going to be [the coaching staff’s] decision, the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,” the head coach said. “We try to arrive in this moment and not ask the player if he feels confident or not confident.”
The US have never contested a penalty shootout at a World Cup, though Brad Friedel’s save against South Korea in 2002 remains a rare highlight in their tournament penalty history.
Confidence in the takers
The squad boasts several reliable options from the spot. Christian Pulisic has converted all seven penalty attempts for the senior national team and has a strong record with Milan. Ricardo Pepi has not missed since leaving MLS in 2022, while Haji Wright has scored 17 of his 19 attempts over the past seven years. Folarin Balogun has also taken his share of responsibility.
Pulisic, however, remains grounded about the challenge. “It is an extremely hard thing to do, go up and take penalties,” he said. “For the people that go up and shoot it takes a lot of courage and it is not easy. Goalkeepers get better and better every year.”
Defender Chris Richards was less convinced about his own potential involvement. “I’m a defender for a reason, man,” he laughed. “We try to not think about the worst-case scenario … In training, though, we prepare for everything.”
The USMNT face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Bay Area on Wednesday knowing that proper preparation could prove the difference between progression and the heartbreak witnessed by Germany and the Netherlands.