本届世界杯上，一种被称为“停顿式”（stutter-step）的罚球技术被广泛使用。该技巧由巴西传奇球王贝利首创，并由内马尔发扬光大 [1]。其葡萄牙语名称为"paradinha"，意为“小停步”，旨在通过助跑过程中的假动作迷惑守门员 [1]。尽管这种充满戏剧性的方式让顶级球星们看起来既酷炫又滑稽，但专家警告这是一种高风险且需要极高心理清晰度的技术 [1]。
国际足联曾在 2010 年修改规则，禁止球员在助跑完成后、击球前进行假动作，但仍允许在助跑过程中做此类动作 [1]。挪威体育科学学院教授 Geir Jordet 指出，该技术非常复杂且难以执行 [1]。随着守门员逐渐适应并改变策略，这种技巧的成功率变得不再确定 [1]。
多位球星在该项技术上的表现各异。阿根廷球员梅西在对阵奥地利的比赛中未命中目标，随后又在对阵埃及的比赛中被扑出 [1]。英格兰队长凯恩首次尝试该技巧时对阵克罗地亚失败，但在重罚后成功得分 [1]。法国前锋姆巴佩在 16 强赛中对巴拉圭使用此法锁定胜局 [1]。葡萄牙球星 C 罗在对阵克罗地亚的比赛中使用了这一技巧 [1]。荷兰球员贾斯汀·克鲁伊维特曾在点球大战中击中门柱，而巴西中场布鲁诺·吉马良斯则在对阵挪威时未能命中被扑出 [1][1]。
34 岁的内马尔在世界杯对阵挪威的最后时刻使用该技巧得分后宣布退出国际赛场 [1]。相比之下，墨西哥前锋劳尔·希门尼斯的点球命中率极高，他在英超历史上曾实现连续 14 次全部命中的纪录 [1]。
The so-called "stutter-step," known as paradinha, has become a defining feature of penalty kicks at this World Cup, though experts warn it is a high-risk maneuver requiring exceptional mental clarity [1]. While top stars have utilized the technique with varying results, Professor Geir Jordet from the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences notes that executing such complex moves demands significant skill and precision [1]. The International Football Association (FIFA) modified its rules in 2010 to ban feints after a player has completed their run-up but before striking the ball, yet allowed deception during the approach itself [1].
Messi's attempts have been mixed; he missed his shot against Austria and had it saved by an Egyptian goalkeeper [1]. In contrast, Harry Kane initially failed when taking penalties against Croatia in extra time but was subsequently required to retake the kick from the spot, where he successfully scored [1]. Kylian Mbappé used the technique decisively during a round-of-16 match against Paraguay to secure his team's victory [1]. Cristiano Ronaldo employed this method as Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in their group stage encounter [1].
The technique also saw dramatic moments involving other players. Neymar, at age 34, scored with the stutter-step late in a final game against Norway before retiring from international duty [1]. Bruno Guimarães of Brazil failed to convert his penalty during a goalless draw against Norway using this method [1]. Justin Kluivert of the Netherlands struck the post while attempting penalties in a shootout scenario [1]. Meanwhile, Mexican forward Raúl Jiménez holds the record for perfect accuracy among Premier League strikers with 14 consecutive successful penalties from that league's history [1]. As goalkeepers adapt their strategies to counter these dramatic attempts, the technique continues to make even the world's best players appear either cool or silly depending on the outcome [1].