It takes a lot of nerve to attempt a Panenka penalty.The idea of chipping a spot kick straight down the middle and hoping the goalkeeper will dive out of the way is certainly nerve-wracking, but many of the world's biggest footballers have tried.In fact, the technique has become somewhat vogue in recent weeks with players like Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Sergio Ramos using the most impudent method in the game.Most of the time, the goalkeeper is anticipating a more traditional penalty and with a distance of just 12 yards, will dive to either side of the goal to give themselves a '50:50' chance.Of course, there is always a chance the penalty taker will shoot straight down the middle - Panenka or not - but a goalkeeper always looks silly if he wrongly predicts a central shot.

Botched Panenka penalties

Nevertheless, it does happen on the rare occasion and can lead to some hilariously botched Panenka penalties.

A fine example came in the MLS recently when Ai Adnan of the Vancouver Whitecap floated his chip down the middle, only to see David Bingham comfortably save the attempt.

However, hold that thought, because an even more extreme version of the nightmare Panenka has emerged in South America and it had dire consequences for Brendix Parra.

Sacked for missed Panenka

The Independiente de Campo Grande player was remarkably sacked this season after missing a Panenka penalty during a shootout in the Copa Sudamericana.

The attempt was so tamely struck that goalkeeper Diego Novoa saved it with his chest, eventually allowing La Equidad to defeat the Paraguay second-tier side on penalties.

As a result, the decision was taken to terminate Parra's contract - pending legal confirmation - and oust him from the club. Check out the damning penalty down below:

The cause of the sacking has since been confirmed by club officials.

"The board of directors decided to dismiss Brendix Parra for the way he kicked the penalty," club president Eriberto Gamarra informed ABC Cardinal.

"If we had qualified to the next round each player would have earned a bit of money."

As embarrassing as the penalty was, it seems incredibly harsh but the player himself appears to have taken it reasonably well and stated: "It's a difficult situation, but life goes on."

Hopefully the Venezuelan will be able to find himself a new club soon and perhaps he'll think twice about attempting a Panenka during a high stakes shootout again.

There have been few comparable examples in recent years, but arguably the most famous came from Maicosuel during the Champions League qualifiers in 2012.

The Brazilian's decision to chip his penalty down the middle saw an easy save and cost Udinese a place in Europe's top competition. That being said, he still escaped with his job.

What's the worst Panenka you've ever seen? Have your say in the comments section below.