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DIMITAR Berbatov is running scared. The Manchester United striker is already having doubts about taking a penalty in the Champions League final. Berbatov was on the end of some harsh criticism for a tame spot-kick against Everton in the FA Cup semi-final defeat and the Bulgarian has admitted the incident has shaken his confidence ahead of tomorrow's final clash with Barcelona in Rome. He said: 'That hurt. I'm not sure I'd step up now.' But now, Berbatov has no excuse. Scientists have recently revealed a formula for the perfect spot-kick. And if the Man United ace follows this formula, he will never miss another penalty again. So, what constitutes a perfect penalty? POWER The shot should be 104.6kph or more. RUN-UP This requires a run-up of five to six paces, commencing from the edge of the 18-yard line. ANGLE The taker must approach the ball at an angle of 20 to 30 degrees. POSITION And the shot must cross the goal-line at exactly 0.5m below crossbar and 0.5m inside either post. Researchers say the formula promises 100 per cent success. A research team at Liverpool John Moores University used Sky Sports high definition cameras installed at the back of goal nets to analyse spot- kicks. Professor Tim Cable, director of sport and exercise sciences, declared: 'Many factors make up a perfect penalty. 'But we've finally nailed the key elements.' Got it Berbatov? Now stop whining and get out there and practise. Wire Services
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