Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Jordan Pickford saw his penalty research become an unexpected post-match talking point after Argentina beat England 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup semifinal at Atlanta Stadium on July 15. Argentina players found the goalkeeper’s prepared notes after their stoppage-time victory removed any need for a shootout.
The England goalkeeper had attached a printed guide to his water bottle detailing where Argentina’s players were expected to place their penalties. Lionel Messi and several teammates discovered the bottle after the final whistle, then laughed as they examined and passed it around.
Readers can also see how Canberra United secured its future, while the official FIFA match centre records Argentina’s semifinal comeback.
Argentina Staff Member Shares Discovery
Argentina fitness coach Luis Martín posted an image of the players studying Jordan Pickford’s notes on Instagram. “What a pity that we didn’t have the same plan,” he wrote before deleting the post.
The image and accompanying video had already spread online by that stage. Lionel Messi appeared especially interested in the instructions prepared for his potential penalty.
Lautaro Martínez’s late header settled the semifinal before Jordan Pickford could use the information.
Notes Recall Famous Germany Strategy
Goalkeepers carrying penalty guides is not new at the FIFA World Cup. Germany’s Jens Lehmann used handwritten notes during the 2006 quarterfinal shootout against Argentina, helping his team advance.
The paper contained guidance on several Argentina takers, although it had no information about Esteban Cambiasso. Jens Lehmann still studied the sheet before the decisive attempt, creating doubt before saving the midfielder’s penalty.
The note was later auctioned for €1 million to raise money for a children’s charity and was donated to a museum. Jordan Pickford’s version produced no sporting advantage, but its discovery added an unusual final scene to England’s painful exit.