Soccer is a game full of drama, and nowhere is that more evident than during the knockout stages of major tournaments. When 90 minutes of regular time ends in a draw, matches proceed into extra time (ET) — two 15-minute halves — and if still tied, they go to the dreaded penalty shootout. But just how often are matches actually decided in that extra 30-minute window?
The Numbers: A Rare Outcome
Across major international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship, only about 10–15% of matches are decided during extra time.
Let’s break that down:
FIFA World Cup 2018:
• 8 knockout matches went to extra time
• Only 1 match was settled in extra time: Croatia’s 2–1 win over England in the semifinals
• That’s 12.5% of all knockout games
FIFA World Cup 2014:
• 5 matches went to extra time
• 2 matches were decided in extra time
• That’s 10% of all 16 knockout-stage matches
This trend has been consistent in recent tournaments — most extra time periods are tightly contested, often ending without a winner, leading to penalty shootouts.
What Usually Happens?
While around 30–35% of knockout games enter extra time, the majority of those still need penalties to determine a winner. That means roughly 70% of extra-time matches go the full 120 minutes without a decisive goal.
Why So Few Decisions in Extra Time?
Several factors play into this:
• Fatigue: Players are exhausted after 90 minutes, making it harder to create quality chances.
• Caution: Teams often play conservatively to avoid mistakes that could cost them the match.
• Tactical substitutions: Coaches sometimes use extra time to prepare for penalties rather than take risks.
Conclusion
While extra time adds drama and tension to the beautiful game, it rarely decides matches. Statistically, only about 1 in 10 knockout matches are settled during extra time, making it one of the most suspenseful — yet inconclusive — phases in football. If you’re watching a tied knockout game go into extra time, there’s a good chance you’re in for a penalty shootout.
