Andrea Pirlo's Penalty Chip V England And Other Good And Bad 'Falling Leaves' (VIDEO)

WATCH: Pirlo And The Best And Worst 'Falling Leaf' Penalties
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Andrea Pirlo capped off a wonderful Euro 2012 quarter-final performance against England with a masterful spot-kick to turn the tide in the penalty shootout.

His falling leaf effort boasted the calm confidence and delicate touch the Juventus regista has showcased for a decade at football's highest level. Man of the match in Kiev, his sullen expression was mistaken for nerves. But Pirlo's poker face showed a royal flush as he beat Joe Hart emphatically.

It was fitting it should happen at a European Championship. For it was at the Euros when the chipped penalty was first showcased. Antonín Panenka's winner in the 1976 final shootout has laid down a gauntlet which some have matched, but others haven't...

PANENKA (CZECHOSLOVAKIA) V WEST GERMANY, 1976 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

FRANCESCO TOTTI (ITALY) V HOLLAND, 2000 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

THIERRY HENRY (ARSENAL) V LEEDS UNITED, 2004 PREMIER LEAGUE

HELDER POSTIGA (PORTUGAL) V ENGLAND, 2004 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

SEBASTIAN ABREU (URUGUAY) V GHANA, 2010 WORLD CUP

JAVIER HERNANDEZ (MEXICO) V EL SALVADOR, 2011 GOLD CUP

And the worst...

GARY LINEKER (ENGLAND) V BRAZIL, 1992 FRIENDLY

ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO (AC MILAN) V LIVERPOOL, 2005 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

NEYMAR (SANTOS) V FLAMENGO, 2011 BRAZILIAN LEAGUE

Apologies to Dwight Yorke, whose memorable chip on the final day of the 1997/98 season against Arsenal at Villa Park cannot be traced on video. If anyone knows of a link, please get in touch.

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