Mile Jedinak, now an assistant coach for the Socceroos, is one of the few players in history to have successfully converted three World Cup penalties, placing him behind only a handful of players including Harry Kane and Lionel Messi, and level with Cristiano Ronaldo. Jedinak scored one penalty in 2014 and two in 2018.

With a penalty shootout a definite possibility when Australia faces Egypt in the round of 32, Jedinak emphasized the importance of focus and composure. "For me it was very simple. I was always focused on what I had to do, and what I had to do was put the ball in the back of the net," he said. He added that taking the moment and controlling the situation with the ball, while trying not to focus on anything else, was key.

Defender Alessandro Circati highlighted the challenges of preparing for penalties, noting the many variables involved. "Set two teams up, take the penalties properly," Circati said, adding that much changes on the pitch after 120 minutes of play.

Jedinak also pointed out that many countries struggle with penalty shootouts due to a lack of experience in taking professional penalties, not just in shootouts but during regular play. Ajdin Hrustic is currently the only player in the Australian squad who took a penalty in the shootout against Peru that qualified Australia for the 2022 World Cup.

"There's obviously a bigger picture here. There's normal game prep, and I think you have to give it some attention," Jedinak said, underscoring the need for focused preparation.

Sources