
Emiliano Martinez: The Man That Propels Argentina to World Cup Glory With His Penalty Saves
Emiliano Martinez is a bit crazy, as he underlined with his post-match antics. But there is a method to his madness.
Martinez was absolutely integral to Argentina’s success. He didn’t just psyche out Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni in the shootout, he was the reason the game went all the way to penalties, after producing the greatest saves you’ll ever see with an outstretched boot from Randal Kolo Muani’s low strike right at the end of extra-time.

Martinez, then, might not be particularly likable. His gamesmanship during the shootout and subsequent goading of Mbappe were both undignified and unnecessary.
However, as we’ve outlined before, Martinez personifies the spirit of self-sacrifice that has propelled this Argentina team to glory.

It was just, then, to see him receive an individual accolade (Goalkeeper of the Tournament) for playing such a key role in a collective triumph.
