[quote=patrick478]
The only other realistic option for the designated penalty taker is Smeltz, who has a history of missing them in high pressure situations (see: NZ vs Honduras, penalty missed in 90th minute) [/quote]
That was a friendly. Pretty much the opposite of high pressure.
That makes it worse, doesn't it?
Historically it appears that defenders make good penalty takers (OK, I do not have a reference ready to support it) as they are less likely to engage in risky "mind games". They often have just one way of scoring (low shot near the post), but do it reliably every time.
Italian Serie A defenders of years gone by come to mind, as do many Bundesliga ones.
Good Penalty takers , make good Penalty Takers!