Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was once again the hero for Argentina as they progressed to the Copa America quarter-finals with a penalty shootout win over Ecuador.
Aston Villa players have made mixed fortunes on international duty this summer.
John McGinn’s Scotland finished bottom of their Euro 2024 group, whilst Youri Tielemans’ Belgium exited at the round of 16 stage with defeat to France after a poor tournament.
Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa are both part of Gareth Southgate’s underperforming England squad, with Konsa set for his first start of the tournament in Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland with Marc Guehi suspended.
Argentina have now successfully negotiated their own quarter-final, beating Ecuador to set up a semi-final with either Venezuela or Canada thanks to the heroics of Emi Martinez.
Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez given full marks for Argentina display
Argentina went into the game against Ecuador heavy favourites but struggled despite going ahead through Lisandro Martinez on 35 minutes.
The likes of Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez all had off nights and Ecuador capitalised with a 91st-minute equaliser to set up penalties; Copa America games not going to extra-time.
As Villa fans well know, it is in penalty shootouts that Martinez comes alive, the Europa Conference League quarter-final against Lille testament to this.
Martinez was the penalty hero as Argentina won the World Cup in 2022 with a shootout win over France in the final and was again on top form against Ecuador.
After Messi had missed Argentina’s first penalty, Martinez instantly bailed out the man widely regarded as the greatest of all time by saving Ecuador’s first two penalties before Argentina went on to win the shootout 4-2.
National media in Argentina were effusive in their praise for the stopper, with TyC Sports giving Martinez a ten out of ten and commenting: “There are no words to define this animal of the goal anymore. He is the best goalkeeper in the world.A beast in the game, an alien in the penalties.”
Martinez could cement legend status for Argentina this summer
Martinez is already a hero in his homeland due to the key role he played in Argentina’s first World Cup win since the days of the great Diego Maradona.
However, he could go one step further to cementing his icon status by helping Argentina to Copa America glory in the USA.
A favourable semi-final draw against either Venezuela or Canada should see the 31-year-old play in the final.
With Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia all in the other side of the draw, it will be no easy task for Martinez and co. but, given his supreme confidence, the Villa goalkeeper will be fearing no one this summer.
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