penalties

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. punishments in a game, like a free shot at the goal after a foul.

n. disadvantages or handicaps imposed on a player or team for an infringement of the rules.

“The referee gave three penalties during the second half of the match.”

“The team's lack of discipline resulted in several unnecessary penalties, ultimately costing them their lead in the final minutes of the game.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Sports Informal

n. a series of penalty kicks used to decide a winner when a game ends in a tie.

n. a penalty shootout used as a tie-breaking method in association football and similar sports.

“The game was so close that it finally went to penalties.”

“After a gruelling two hours of scoreless play, the quarter-final was decided on penalties, with the underdog goalkeeper making two spectacular saves.”