בעיטות הכרעה מ-11 מ' בכדורגל – המאבק על הזיכרון ההיסטורי והזווית הישראלית: אינטראקציות קבוצתיות בין-תרבותיות בסביבה אקדמית כיוצרות שינוי עמדות הדדיות בקרב סטודנטים ערבים ויהודים בישראל

The drama that is inherent in a penalty shoot-out (i.e., tie-breaking kicks from the 11-meter mark in football) has elevated it to the status of a ritual that not only determines the outcome of a match, but also captivates spectators – who observe each kick with intense anticipation. This duel between kicker and goalkeeper represents one of the sport’s most iconic moments, drawing the attention of fans, journalists, commentators, coaches, and players – as well as that of researchers across sport sciences (e.g., sport psychology, history, and economics). It is therefore unsurprising that several countries have vied for recognition as the inventors of this dramatic kicking format. The symbolic “patent” – a transfer of decisive power from fate to human agency (i.e., the football players) – is considered a source of national pride and prestige. Four countries – Spain, Germany, Malaysia, and Israel – have claimed authorship of the shoot-out, reinforcing their claims through both tangible means (such as stadiums and halls of fame) and intangible ones (such as national traditions). The aim of this article is to examine how a technical rule of football evolved into a contested cultural asset, and to explore why sporting traditions are increasingly regarded as valuable national resources by sport professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Focusing particularly on the Israeli case, this paper highlights the role of international recognition in shaping such claims. The article traces key historical milestones of the penalty shoot-out, outlines four competing origin stories, and considers the broader implications for sports historiography and national identity. While it remains impossible to determine definitively which country first conceived the modern shoot-out, whoever did so can be credited with creating a uniquely charged sporting moment that continues to inspire multidisciplinary research.