Player who invented the famous launch from the penalty point " Panenka" is serious at 71, with covid19

 

Written by : Jose Alvarado Sandoval ( DJ Malanga )

Former Czech player Antonin Panenka was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Prague hospital on Wednesday because of the Covid-19 coronavirus, as reported by the Bohemians, the first club in his extensive professional career.

The 71-year-old Panenka led the Czechoslovak team to their only international title after taking the decisive penalty and beating the surprised and scattered German goalkeeper Sepp Maier on penalties in the final.

The 71-year-old former Czech footballer tested "positive for COVID-19" and is "in serious condition" after a worsening state that has led him to the intensive care unit, explained the Prague entity.

Panenka wrote his name in football history with his peculiar way of taking the winning penalty against West Germany in the 1976 Euro Cup Final in Belgrade. The midfielder sent the ball into the center of the goal with a very subtle touch when goalkeeper Sepp Maier had already moved out of the way to secure the first and only major title for the former Czechoslovakia.

"Antonin Panenka was taken to an intensive care unit (ICU) today, in serious condition. We are not going to comment further on his condition come on!" Said the Bohemians 1905 club on Twitter.