Why did Estonia U17 goalkeeper shake hands with penalty taker in Tallinn?

An unusual moment was witnessed at A. le Coq Arena in Tallinn on Thursday evening, when Estonia U17 men's football team goalkeeper Harly Ollin shook hands with Croatian penalty taker Jona Benkotic before the spot kick. The gesture caught the attention of viewers and raised questions about the young goalkeeper's intentions.

A remarkable scene unfolded at A. le Coq Arena in Tallinn on Thursday evening during an Estonia U17 men's football match against Croatia, when goalkeeper Harly Ollin stepped forward and shook hands with Croatian penalty taker Jona Benkotic just moments before the kick was taken.

The unusual act of sportsmanship — or psychological gamesmanship — immediately drew attention from fans and observers watching the young national team in action. Such a gesture ahead of a high-pressure penalty is rarely seen at any level of football, let alone in a youth international fixture.

Whether Ollin's handshake was intended as a sign of genuine respect, a calculated attempt to unsettle the opposing player, or simply a spontaneous moment of character from the young goalkeeper, it stood out as one of the more memorable images of the evening at the Tallinn arena.