Martinez Averts Argentina's World Cup misery

Emiliano Martinez saved two Netherlands penalties in the shootout to save Argentina on a dramatic night of drama and advance his nation to the World Cup semifinals. Before substitute Wout Weghorst led an extraordinary Dutch comeback in the quarterfinal, Argentina surged into a two-goal lead and the Aston Villa goalkeeper had little action for the majority of the game. The 88,235 spectators at Lusail Stadium, almost all of whom were pulling for Lionel Messi and his colleagues, were shocked when Weghorst equalized in the 11th minute of extra time, necessitating an extra 30 minutes.

Martinez, however, seized the chance to save Argentina from further World Cup anguish by leaping to his right and deflecting Virgil van Dijk's opening penalty kick away. Martinez threw himself to his left to save Steven Berghuis after Messi, who had increased Argentina's lead throughout the game with a penalty, calmly put home his team's first attempt. With a chance to win it for Argentina, Enzo Fernandez missed the target with his shot, but Lautaro Martinez made no errors with their subsequent kick, setting up a matchup with 2018's runners-up Croatia. "I sense the feeling. For the 45 million Argentinians who are enduring a severe economic situation, I do all I can "Martinez remarked.

The finest thing that is now happening to me is spreading happiness to other people. The guys were worn out, and I thought they needed assistance, but I was powerless to intervene. Fortunately, I was able to achieve it by avoiding two penalties later. The victory not only maintained Messi's chances of winning the World Cup trophy, but it also came just hours after Argentina's fierce rivals Brazil were eliminated from the competition by the Croatians on penalties. At 35, Messi is aware that this will be his final World Cup, and winning a medal would cement his status as one of the sport's all-time greats, right next to compatriot Diego Maradona and Pele.

The 2021 Copa America victory, which ended Argentina's 28-year title drought, would not have been possible without Martinez, who also played a key role in that victory.Martinez was named goalkeeper of the tournament after keeping a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory over hosts Brazil in the final. "We knew as he'd done against Colombia he could save some penalties," Argentina coach Lionel S. said.

Martinez won the title of tournament's best goalkeeper, but his rise to the top has been a long and arduous one after spending ten years at Arsenal before finding a place to call home. In his second League Cup game for the Gunners, he allowed five goals. The game is most famous for Arsenal's comeback victory over Reading after falling down by four goals. Martinez spent the majority of his time with the Gunners on loan in the English second tiers, and it seemed as though he would have to settle for a career as a journeyman when he was acquired by fellow Premier League club Aston Villa for an estimated £20 million ($24.5 million) in September 2020.

He immediately took over as Villa's starting goalkeeper, and by the end of that campaign, he had established himself as Argentina's top choice, making his debut 10 years after his first call-up. He has established himself as Argentina's undeniable top player over the past year, providing the Albiceleste with the steady presence they sorely missed in Russia four years ago and which they are hoping will help them win a third World Cup.