The 2022 World Cup has reached the quarterfinal stage, with each of the eight remaining teams only three victories away from hoisting the trophy and being crowned world champions.
However, as with any major tournament, the knockout rounds include the added risk of penalty shoot-outs if the sides cannot be divided over 120 minutes.
Brazil vs. Croatia
Croatia's penalty shootout record
Four penalty shootouts (three wins, one defeat)
Croatia has won three World Cups since losing their first shoot-out in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals.
They defeated Denmark in the round of 16 in 2018 thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Danijel Subasic, and Ivan Rakitic scored the game-winning penalty kick against Russia the following round.
Brazil's penalty shootout record
13 penalty shootouts (eight wins, five defeats)
The Selecao won the World Cup final on penalties in 1994 after a goalless draw with Italy, with Roberto Baggio blasting over the crossbar.
Brazil also defeated the unlucky Netherlands in the 1998 semi-final, thanks to Claudio Taffarel saves from Phillip Cocu and Ronald de Boer; however, they were easily defeated by hosts France in the final following the pre-match controversy surrounding star striker Ronaldo's fitness.
Argentina vs. Netherlands
Netherlands' penalty shootout record
Seven penalty shootouts
England may have built a penalty shoot-out complex over the years, but the Dutch may be the all-time penalty shoot-out losers. Denmark in the Euro 1992 semi-final, France in the Euro '96 quarter-final, Brazil in the World Cup '98, Italy in the Euro 2000 semi-final, and Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in 2014.
In better news, they have won two of their last three matches, with the setback in Brazil eight years ago coming after a quarterfinal victory over Costa Rica in which Jasper Cillessen made two saves, and there was also a 5-4 shootout victory over Sweden at Euro 2004 to brag about.
Argentina's penalty shootout record
14 penalty shootouts
Sergio Goycochea was the unsung hero of Argentina's World Cup semi-final win over Italy's Roberto Donadoni and Aldo Serena in 1990.
Argentina defeated the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup, but fell to Germany in the final, as Mario Götze's extra-time goal proved decisive.
Morocco vs. Portugal
Morocco's penalty shootout record
Three penalty shootouts
The Atlas Lions had never won a 12-yard nerve fight until their last-16 shootout against Spain in Qatar. However, losses in the 1988 and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments may be relegated to history, with the victory over Luis Enrique's team being Moroccan football's pinnacle.
Portugal's penalty shootout record
Four penalty shootouts
Another heartbreaking flashback for England fans, who saw the "Golden Generation" eliminated from two championships in a row on penalties by Portugal.
First, in the Euro 2004 quarter-final, Ricardo saved from Darius Vassell and then calmly took the winning penalty himself, before Portugal repeated the feat in the World Cup last eight in 2006, despite the absence of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Jamie Carragher.
England vs. France
England's penalty shootout record
Nine penalty shootouts
It is not enjoyable to read. The 1990 World Cup semi-final against West Germany (cue Paul Gascoigne's tears), the Euro '96 semi-final against Germany when Gareth Southgate missed the crucial spot-kick, the 1998 World Cup against Argentina, Portugal again in 2004 and 2006, Italy in the Euro 2012 last eight, and then another loss to the Azzurri in the Euro final at Wembley last year are just a few of the shootout horror shows that England supporters had to endure.
France's penalty shootout record
Seven penalty shootouts (three wins, four defeats)
It was a mixed bag for the French, with more notable defeats than victories. The most agonizing shoot-out losses include the 1982 World Cup semi-final loss to West Germany, the Euro '98 semi-final loss to the Czech Republic, and, worst of all, the 2006 World Cup final loss to Italy, which the Azzurri won 5-3 on penalties following Zinedine Zidane's headbutt.
France also lost their most recent shoot-out, being knocked out of the Euros by Switzerland after a dramatic 3-3 tie, with a certain Kylian Mbappé missing the crucial spot.
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