French Cup Witnessed Historic penalty Shootout: 44 Shots Taken in R1 clash
Béthune, France – A Coupe de France 64th final between two Regional 1 (R1) clubs, steenvoorde and Béthune, concluded with a penalty shootout of unprecedented length, shattering the competition’s record. The match, ending 0-0 after regulation time, required a staggering 44 penalty attempts – with 37 consecutive successful conversions – before Béthune emerged victorious 21-20.
This extraordinary shootout eclipses the previous record set in 2022 between Dinan Léhon and Stade Brestois, which lasted 24 minutes and 12-13 penalty kicks. The result marks the longest penalty shootout in the history of the French Cup, captivating football fans and highlighting the drama inherent in the competition’s early rounds.
The decisive moment fell to Gauthier Thumerel of Béthune, who was initially reluctant to take a penalty. “It’s crazy, the coach didn’t want me to shoot,” thumerel told The Voice of the North. “He put me 11th and I give the victory to Béthune… My first shot is so as not to lose; the second,to win. Honestly, before the second one, I think back to my failure last year before shooting and I tell myself that the story could be beautiful. If I score, I will put happiness in peopel’s eyes.I have to score and… I score.”
The match, alongside other 64th final upsets like Rodez against Canet (N3) and Red Star against Biesheim (N2), underscores the Coupe de France’s reputation for delivering unexpected twists and showcasing talent from across the French football pyramid. The 250 Béthune supporters present will undoubtedly remember the historic night for years to come.
