Emiliano Martinez was one of the deciding factors for Argentina in their glorious 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign as they defeated France in the final at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. The goalkeeper made a game-winning save in the final minute of overtime, denying Randal Kolo Muani. He then reigned supreme in the penalty shootout and made two saves as Argentina won their third World Cup trophy.
During the awards ceremony, the Aston Villa custodian was also awarded the Golden Glove, but his celebration with the award created some controversy in Qatar. After receiving the award, Martínez celebrated by holding the award in the groin area, much to the amusement of the fans. He had also made a similar gesture after receiving the award for the best goalkeeper at the Copa America 2021.
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When explaining his gesture to La Red (Argentine media), Martínez revealed that he held a celebration in which the French booed him. “I did it because the French booed me, pride doesn’t go with me,” he said.
“I dedicate the title to my family. I come from a very humble place. I came to England very young. I want to dedicate it to them,” he added.
In a closely contested final, Argentina took the lead for the first time in the 23rd minute with Lionel Messi converting a penalty after a foul on Angel Di Maria in the French box. Then a quick counter in the 36th minute extended their lead to 2-0, with Alexis MacAllister assisting Di Maria. In the second half, with the game close to full time, Kylian Mbappé came back for France and leveled the proceedings in 97 seconds. In the 80th minute, he scored a penalty after Kolo Muani was brought down in the Argentine box. Then a stunning volley in the 81st minute made it 2-2.
In extra time, it looked like Argentina had found the winner after Messi scored in the 108th minute. But Mbappe struck once more to complete his hat-trick in the 118th minute, converting a penalty to make it 3-3. With the match going into penalties, Martinez rose above to deny Aurelien Tchouameni and Kingsley Coman as Argentina sealed a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory.