Five worst ever penalties more suitable to a rugby pitch

With the Rugby World Cup now in full swing, sports fans are not hard pressed to find some premium penalty taking, finding great joy as the ball rockets into the air, bound for its intended target between the posts.

Perhaps the rugby bug is catching – Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho joked that Eden Hazard was doing his best ‘to promote the Rugby World Cup’ when the Belgian skied his spot kick against Maccabi Tel Aviv during the opening game of the Blues’ Champions League campaign.

Hazard, usually an expert from 12 yards, is the prime example here: penalties aren’t always profitable. It looks so simple, a free shot on goal from point blank range. Yes, there’s the small matter of a ‘keeper in the way - but the pressure is off for the man in gloves.

Spot kick supreme Matt Le Tiss, who boasts a phenomenal 47 scored out of 48 attempts, revealed ‘it was a free shot from twelve yards and I’d always back myself to score.’

Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately depending on who you support, not every player sees it the same way as the retired Saints legend.

In keeping with the Rugby World Cup – here are FIVE hilarious penalty attempts that would be far more acceptable at Twickenham than Wembley…..

JONATHAN WALTERS – STOKE vs CHELSEA, 13^TH JAN 2013

Jonathan Walters. Oh dear. Any list compiling the most hilarious penalty attempts would not be complete without Stoke City’s Jonathan Walters. Granted, it’s probably not hilarious should you support the Potters, or be in any way related to the Republic of Ireland international…

Having already scored two, yes TWO own goals, against the Blues – Walters stepped up to strike from 12 yards in order to redeem himself somewhat. You can’t knock him for effort, a braver man than most it seems.

Did not prevent hilarity from ensuring, though, as he blazed his attempt well over Petr Cech’s goal.

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WAYNE ROONEY – MAN UTD VS WEST HAM, 16^TH JAN 2013

Only three days after Walters’ wailing, sailing attempt – now England and Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney stepped up to try and double his side’s lead over West Ham.

The nation’s record goal scorer is not really renowned for his penalty prowess oddly enough, having seemingly been replaced by Juan Mata for spot-kick duties.

With attempts like this, it’s easy to see why.

NEYMAR – BRAZIL VS COLOMBIA, 14^TH NOVEMBER 2012

Now, Barcelona star Neymar’s slight frame and obsession with appearance may have you mistaken into thinking he’s not a HUGE rugby man – you’re wrong.

In a friendly between the Selecao and Colombia, the now Brazilian captain indulged himself in a rather long run up in order to fire past David Ospina in the opposition’s goal.

And fire past Ospina he did. Just vertically. And then some.

It’s probably unfair to judge the 23-year old on this, he’s pretty much brilliant at everything else.

Still, though….

SERGIO RAMOS – REAL MADRID VS BAYERN MUNICH, 25^th APRIL 2012

Picture the scene. Champions League semi-final. Penalty shootout. Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, the two most expensive players in the world at the time, had seen their efforts saved by the imperial Manuel Neuer in goal. So, up steps Sergio Ramos.

You must score Sergio. You must avoid Neuer at all costs.

Well, at least he headed the second titbit of advice.

The World Cup winner saw his effort blaze over the bar, over the stadium and out the stratosphere.

Oh well, he would earn his redemption two years later as he bagged a brace against Bayern to help send Los Blancos through to the final, and famously levelled the scores in the dying minutes against city rivals Atletico – sending Real on their way to a famous 10^th European crown.

Doesn’t excuse THIS though, Sergio…