“True blessing to this world” – Fans salute ‘superb’ Argentina star for his brilliant display in FIFA World Cup quarterfinal win over Netherlands
Argentina fans are lauding heroic goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after his performance led to the side's incredible FIFA World Cup quarter final victory over the Netherlands.
The two nations battled at the Lusail Stadium on Friday, (December 9). It was a FIFA World Cup clash for the record books as Argentina marched to a remarkable penalty shootout victory.
La Albiceleste took the lead in the 35th minute through wing-back Nahuel Molina's strike after a fabulous assist from the iconic Lionel Messi. The Argentina captain added to his side's lead from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute.
However, the Netherlands hit back in dramatic style courtesy of a Wout Weghorst double in the 83rd and 90+11th minute. The game went to penalties, and Martinez became the hero of the piece.
The Aston Villa shot-stopper first denied Oranje captain Virgil van Dijk with a fabulous flying stop. He then made an even more impressive save from a powerful effort from Steven Berghuis to send his side on their way to victory. It finished 4-3 in favour of Lionel Scaloni's side, and Martinez has earned praise.
The Netherlands hardly tested the 30-year-old shot-stopper throughout the game, but his two stops secured Scaloni's men a place in the semifinals. La Albiceleste will face Croatia in the last four on Tuesday (December 13) at the Lusail Stadium.
Here are some reactions from fans on Twitter on a phenomenal display from Martinez:
Emiliano Martínez. You are A TRUE BLESSING TO THIS WORLD! 🇦🇷🔥 https://t.co/CUdd8HLvdr
Words won't do justice to the kind of heroics Emiliano Dibu Martinez just pulled off. Did it against Colombia in the Copa America KOs, does it now in the World Cup.
Gigantic ginormous balls of steel and all that.
Argentina and Messi fans, just like this tweet to show an appreciation to Emi Martinez. https://t.co/c9ebwW3cac
Emiliano Martinez, the man, the myth, the legend, the saviour. 🙏
Martinez Appreciation Tweet. 👏👏👏
Don’t scroll without dropping a like. Man’s superb 🔥🔥👏 https://t.co/NjXEcc6OLx
Best Keeper EVER!!!! Thank you, Martinez!!! https://t.co/QiVYIc5cBa
Emi Martinez is the best penalty saver in world football no doubt about it
Argentina's Lionel Messi admits that Croatia aregood team ahead of 2022 FIFA World Cup clash
Croatia secured a penalty shootout win of their own by eliminating tournament favourites Brazil from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Zlatko Dalic's men managed a dramatic 1-1 draw in extra time after Bruno Petkovic's 117th-minute effort had cancelled out Neymar's 1056th-minute opener. The game headed to penalties, and Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was just as impressive as Martinez. He denied Rodrygo before Marquinhos hit the post as Croatia secured a 4-2 win on penalties.
Messi spoke after his side's remarkable victory over the Netherlands when he lauded Vatreni. He said (via Argentina's Twitter account):
"Croatia showed that they are a great team. At times they played on an equal footing with Brazil. It is a team that has been working with the same coach for a long time, and they know each other very well."
Messi and co head into the semifinals as favourites, with the iconic forward eyeing FIFA World Cup glory for the first time.