Emiliano Martinez: The wall reminiscent of the great Goycochea
His saves from the first two penalties in that shootout set up a semi-final berth for the Albiceleste, and put them a step closer to the decider. This Sunday, Argentina face France in the World Cup final, with Martinez able to put his name firmly down in Argentine footballing folklore.
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To have made the difference in a penalty shootout was no fluke for the goalkeeper. In the semi-final of the Copa America 2021 against Colombia, he showed his talent for denying shots from the penalty spot.
In a star performance, he saved three shots to be crowned the hero of the qualification for the final, where Argentina beat Brazil in the Maracana, helping Lionel Messi reach his first title for their country's national team. On that occasion, Martinez was voted the best goalkeeper of the competition, having also set the record for the most penalties saved in a single match for his country.
Memories of Italia '90
Martinez makes it impossible not to remember Sergio Goycochea - the Argentine goalkeeper who featured prominently at the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy - appearing with coolness and efficiency in penalty shoot-outs. In the quarterfinals and semifinals, against Yugoslavia and Italy respectively, he saved three penalties. On that occasion, Argentina reached the final, before losing to Germany (1-0) thanks to a penalty that Goyco could not deny.
All that the Argentinians want this Sunday is for that story not to repeat itself.
The difference between the two keepers is that Goychochea was a substitute in that team, coming on as a starter in the second round when their number one Pumpido broke his leg against the Soviet Union. Unlike his former hero, Martinez has held the position for over a year now.
Many years in England
Now 30, Martinez is at a mature stage of his career and has plenty of experience in English football, where he plays for Aston Villa. His career has been built entirely in England, having arrived at Arsenal aged just 17. The Gunners loaned him out to various clubs before a return that saw him, in 2020, finally get a run in the London side due to an injury to incumbent first-choice Bernd Leno.
The German goalkeeper's return to fitness caused him to lose his spot again and he opted for a move to Aston Villa in 2020 to gain the minutes he desired.
Career in the national team
Despite being called up for the first time to the Argentine national team in 2011, before he had even debuted professionally, his true run in the national team started in 2021.
It did not take long for Martinez to show his worth in the World Cup qualifiers as well as in the Copa America in that decisive game against Colombia.
"Besides all his virtues as a goalkeeper, he has a tremendous personality. This gives him a mental fortitude that, combined with his skills between the posts, makes him a great player in his position", said Pablo Lisotto - reporter for the Argentine newspaper La Nación.
In the World Cup final on Sunday, Martinez will be surely tested again in what is possibly the greatest challenge of his career to date. He will be called upon by his nation to prove once more that he is a safe pair of hands ready to make a difference, especially in penalties if required.
