Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been a revelation this year, first starring for the Albiceleste in the Copa America win, and then putting in yet another stellar performance to help them prevail in a thrilling World Cup title clash last night, in Qatar. He played a pivotal role in the penalty shootout win in the quarterfinal clash against the Netherlands, too.
Leading 2-0 at half-time in the final, Argentina were in for a rude shock as hat-trick hero Kylian Mbappe inspired a stunning French fightback to take the match in to extra-time at 3-3. France, in fact, could have scripted a perfect comeback story with a winning goal in the dying minutes of extra-time, but Randal Kolo Muani's shot was spectacularly saved by Martinez.
In the penalty shootout, he saved Kingsley Coman's shot before Aurelien Tchouameni shot wide, to hand Argentina and Lionel Messi a famous World Cup title.
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But what took some sheen off the title win, which came after 36 years, was Martinez's antics during the penalty shoot and also during the presentation ceremony. After delaying Tchouameni's penalty which earned him a booking for gamesmanship, he whipped out a dance move.
Then, after getting the Golden Glove award, he held it to his groin, making a crude gesture.
He had pulled off such antics in the Copa America, too, especially in the semifinal win against Colombia.
It did not end there, however. First, he referred to Mbappe's goals – which included a spectacular volley – as “crappy”. Then came a clip from the Argentine dressing room, which showed the players celebrating, with Martinez leading it. His teammates are seen pausing to observe “a minute of silence” for “Mbappe, who is dead”, he is heard saying.
Martinez's conduct was widely criticised on social media.
The 23-year-old French forward had a brilliant game, finishing as the top goal scorer at Qatar 2022, with eight goals and the consequent, Golden Boot award.
