Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was greeted by a jubilant crowd estimated at 100,000 in his hometown of Mar de Plata, with raucous cheers and a sea of waving flags.
It was Argentina’s third title however Martinez is the primary World Cup winner from the resort city south of Buenos Aires, the place tennis participant Guillermo Vilas was beforehand essentially the most well-known sports activities persona.
Martinez confirmed the gang in entrance of the seashore on Thursday his trophy as goalkeeper of the match and informed them it was “not only for me but for all the kids, the little goalkeepers, who dream of going for the fourth star.”
“This is a beautiful thing, that a goalkeeper gets this recognition, because this is almost always given to strikers,” stated Martinez, who left Argentina at 17 to affix Arsenal in England and now performs for Aston Villa within the Premier League.
He has developed a popularity as a penalty shootout specialist after his success within the 2021 Copa America remaining in opposition to Brazil after which in opposition to France in Doha.
“On penalties I become strong and I know that people respect me, I know because opposing players have told me so,” he stated.
Martinez defended his technique of making an attempt to disconcert penalty takers.
“When you take the first penalty in a world final, you know the other guy is going to be very nervous,” he stated. “I try to play them, to push the ball away a little bit, to talk to them.”
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera criticised Martinez on Friday for mocking French star Kylian Mbappe after the World Cup remaining.
“This Emiliano Martinez is not distinguishing himself. It is rather pathetic,” she stated.
