“We have 2 of the best forwards in the world” - Emiliano Martinez hails Argentina duo after win against Chile in Copa America
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has lavished praise on his teammates Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez after the side's Copa America win over Chile on Tuesday, June 25. In a hard-fought game, La Albiceleste secured a 1-0 win, courtesy of Martinez's 88th-minute winner.
However, the Inter Milan forward did not start the game as Alvarez got the nod. But with 17 minutes remaining on the clock, Martinez was brought in for the Manchester City man.
To Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni's delight, Lautaro Martinez scored from a corner situation from close range. After the match, Emiliano Martinez said (via @RoyNemer):
"We have two of the best forwards in the world, Julian (Alvarez) and Lautaro (Martinez)."
To date, Emiliano Martinez has shared the pitch on 28 occasions with Julian Alvarez while having made 35 appearances beside Lautaro Martinez for Argentina.
Lautaro Martinez has played 60 matches for Argentina, bagging 26 goals. Meanwhile, Alvarez has appeared 33 times for his country, scoring eight goals.
The duo could feature in Argentina's final group-stage match against Peru on Saturday, June 29.
With the win over Chile, Argentina, have progressed to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa America with a group game to spare. The defending champions are atop Group A with six points, three points clear of second-placed Canada.
Lionel Scaloni reacts to Argentina's 1-0 Copa America win over Chile
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni lavished praise on his team following their 1-0 win over Chile Copa America. The world champions dominated the ball, keeping 62 percent possession.
They also attempted 22 shots, 19 more than Chile, and found the target on nine occasions. Scaloni said after the match (via The Athletic):
"A well-deserved victory I'd say. The truth is the game was not easy, and it was won during the least expected moment, I'd say, because the game was ending."
Argentina are one of the favorites to win the Copa America title. They managed to lay their hands on the World Cup trophy in Qatar in 2022 after beating France 4-2 on penalties in the final (3-3 after full time).