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Emiliano Martinez's penalty shootout antics were incredible as Argentina win the World Cup

Emiliano Martinez's penalty shootout antics were incredible as Argentina win the World Cup

The Aston Villa goalkeeper demonstrated his unique technique for putting the French players off, that including throwing the ball away.

Emi Martinez showcased his party trick during Argentina's penalty shootout win over France in the World Cup final in Qatar as he helped his side to victory in typical Martinez fashion.

It was another demonstration of the Aston Villa keeper's sportsmanship during a penalty shootout, in which he looks to disrupt opposing players in the hope of unsettling the opposition.

The triumph here marks the height of his incredible journey, from playing for Oxford United in the fourth tier to being a World Cup winner for Argentina in 10 years - it's a remarkable story.

And now his penalty shootout antics can be marked down as a regular occurrence, having won three shootouts with the national team in under a year and a half, and now he's a World Cup champion.

Martinez, 30, first produced for his country during the 2021 Copa America tournament, in what was his first major tournament as he saved three penalties during the semi-final win over Colombia.

They went onto win their first international trophy for 28 years following that and he produced again this tournament against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, and now against France when it really mattered.

First up was Kylian Mbappe, who had already netted two penalties in the game so far, who was unfazed by the keeper, but Martinez still got a hand on his spot-kick as Mbappe got France off the mark in the shootout.

Martinez makes a save in the penalty shootout. (Image
Alamy)

Next up was Kingsley Coman, who looked nervous as he approached, and his penalty went the same way as Mbappe's, but this time he saved. This was followed by an incredible celebration as he danced around making it clear to the France side watching on that it was a big moment in the shootout.

For Tchouameni's spot-kick, he went one step further took the ball and then carried it whilst the Real Madrid midfielder was walking to the spot, celebrating with the Argentinian fans whilst doing so.

He then threw the ball away from both the referee and player, which heaped the pressure on the Frenchman, who fired his penalty wide.

In all the chaos, he managed to get booked as well, not that that mattered in the slightest.

Martinez will be a national hero back in Argentina. (Image
Alamy)

It's also worth mentioning how crucial his save was right at the end of extra-time, as his outstretched leg denied Randal Kolo Muani in what was their final chance; definite shades of Iker Casillas against the Netherlands in the final of the 2010 World Cup.

And to think, he only got his chance to shine for Arsenal following Neal Maupay's challenge on Berndt Leno in 2020, which gave Martinez a run in Mikel Arteta's side following years of being a reserve keeper as well as six consecutive loan spells - perhaps one of the best real-life examples of grabbing an opportunity when it comes your way and never giving in.

He also went on to secure the Golden Glove award for the best keeper during the World Cup, alongside Lionel Messi as the best player and Enzo Fernandez as the young player of the tournament, and despite contracted to Villa until 2027, it would be surprising if no club looks to sign the star in the summer.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Football, Football World Cup, France, Argentina, Emiliano Martinez