Penalty Shootouts: A Health Hazard? Cardiac Data from 2006 World Cup

A study from the New England Journal of Medicine reveals staggering data about the physical toll of penalty shootouts on fans. During the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, cardiac emergencies in Munich increased by 2.66 times on Germany match days, with a 3.26 times spike for men. The peak occurred during the quarterfinal clash between Germany and Argentina, which went to a tense penalty shootout.

Similarly, during the 1998 World Cup match between England and Argentina, heart attacks across Engla...