What is Emiliano Martinez’s record at penalties? Here we take a look at the Uber-confident Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper ahead of the 2022 World Cup final against France in Qatar on Sunday.
The 30-year-old, nicknamed ‘Dibu’, has already showcased his penalty-saving prowess when he stopped two spot-kicks during Argentina’s nerve-racking quarter-final win over The Netherlands.
Two World Cup finals in history have gone to penalties, the most recent in 2006 when Italy beat France in that in-famous Zinedine Zidane headbutt final.
One is surely due? Probably not if you are repping either Argentina or France, otherwise, bring it all on.
WHAT IS EMILIANO MARTINEZ’S RECORD AT SAVING PENALTIES?
From his cricket-like sledging to super-confident body language, Villa’s number one has all the tools required to deny any man from the penalty spot, whether it’s flying five feet to his right or thrash-talking the opponent that he balloons his effort over the ball, and he has the record to back it up.
During his senior career, the 30-year-old has faced 21 penalties, saving or watching ten of those being missed, according to transfermarkt.
The former Arsenal man most recently faced a penalty in October against Fulham when Aleksandar Mitrovic scored past him in what was Steven Gerrard’s last game as Aston Villa manager.
The last time he denied someone from the spot was when his thrash-talking resulted in Bruno Fernandes blazing over the bar during Villa’s 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford last season.
Added to that, he has been involved in two penalty shootouts – both on the international stage, including the one noted above against the Dutch.
But one of Martinez’s most famous moments came when Argentina beat Colombia 3-2 on pens at the 2021 Copa America – he saved three penalties that day.
Hugo Lloris may have the experience or the World Cup medal from 2018 already around his neck, but if it comes to a penalty shootout, then Martinez is going to back himself all the way ahead of France and Tottenham’s number one.
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