[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 even 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, hard 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.
You could argue that strikers are naturally "wired" differently from the centrebacks. I recall a number of high-pressure settings where the striker was the one that scuffed the penalty. Think of Mark Viduka against Uruguay in Sydney in 2005 second leg (he shot over the bar).
In contrast, Alessandro Del Piero is so relaxed at this stage of his career (he is 39) he hasn't missed any in A-League that I know of (but correct me if I am wrong).