• Champions League

Cech an expert on Bayern penalty takers

ESPN staff
May 19, 2012
Petr Cech has been preparing for penalties © PA Photos
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Chelsea keeper Petr Cech says he has done all the work he can to prepare for a penalty shootout against Bayern Munich but expects the result to be decided inside 90 minutes.

The Blues are bidding to become European champions for the first time, having fallen short in agonising circumstances four years ago when they lost to Manchester United on penalties.

Cech has revealed he has been watching videos of Bayern in action to prepare for every eventuality but acknowledges it is all a matter of who holds their nerve on the night.

"I'll have all the information I need for a penalty shootout but I think this will be decided in 90 minutes," he said.

"I've been watching the tapes of Bayern's games. I've seen everything I can but in the end it's all about the moment and whether the penalty taker is strong enough to keep calm and place it well. If he does that then the keeper has no chance, so in a shoot-out you try to force people into mistakes.

"In 2008, we had plenty of information about Manchester United penalties. We'd lost to them in a shootout before but you can't always rely on what you've seen. You need to rely on your instincts."

Cech turns 30 on Sunday, and he admits it would be the ideal birthday present to celebrate winning the Champions League with a victory parade around west London. He said: "If I get a cup, I don't need a cake."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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