Emiliano Martinez has been lauded as “an animal in goal” for Argentina, with the Aston Villa shot-stopper producing more penalty shootout heroics.
World Cup winner starring for his country
Saved two spot-kicks against Ecuador
Albiceleste into the last four on U.S. soil
WHAT HAPPENED?
Having helped the Albiceleste to Copa America and World Cup glory previously, doing so due to his ability to win spot-kick mind games, Martinez is chasing down another continental crown. He repelled two efforts from 12 yards as Argentina battled past Ecuador in a 2024 Copa quarter-final.
WHAT DE PAUL SAID
Rodrigo De Paul said on having Martinez between the sticks in the most pressurised of situations, “We have an animal in goal. What he is doing is crazy. He deserves it. He loves these colours. He gives us a lot of security and peace of mind. We try to do the same for him but in these important moments he is always there.” THE BIGGER PICTURE
Argentina almost gave it away against Ecuador, with Lisandro Martinez’s opener canceled in the 91st minute, but they held their nerve after seeing talismanic skipper Messi clip a Panenka penalty against the crossbar. De Paul added on reaching the last four: “We knew the match was going to be really tough. We would like to have performed better with the ball sometimes. Although we always have to be self-critical, there are so many things which have not allowed us to play and do everything we felt that we had shown to this point. But the team ran and scored. There was a great effort from everyone. I am very happy to be playing in the semi-finals again. In the last four tournaments we have reached this stage, almost until the last day. “I think we have to be proud of everything we are doing.”
WHAT NEXT?
Argentina must wait to learn if they will face Canada or Venezuela in the semi-finals. They are at least certain of having a shot at a bronze medal, in the third place play-off, but collective focus is locked on defending a title that was recaptured back in 2021.