Martinez is that dude — King of penalty shootout comes up clutch again to inspire Argentina to Copa America semis

King of penalties Emiliano Martinez after eating good again for Argentina from 12 yards. (Photo Credit: Copa America/X)

Martinez is that dude — King of penalty shootout comes up clutch again to inspire Argentina to Copa America semis

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 05:14 - 05.07.2024

Emiliano Martínez has been described as the best and greatest after he once again came up clutch to inspire Argentina to the Copa America semifinals.

Emiliano Martinez cemented his status as the world's premier shot-stopper with another display of penalty heroics that saved Argentina's blushes against Ecuador in the Copa America quarter-finals.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper was the hero yet again for the reigning champions, producing two crucial saves in the shootout after the game had ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Martinez stars for Argentina again

Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez had put Argentina in front in the first half, but a late Ecuador equaliser from Kevin Rodriguez sent the match to penalties.

Up first was Argentina talisman Lionel Messi, but the Barcelona legend saw his spot-kick saved to complete a bizarre week from 12 yards for two of the greatest players in the world.

Man of the moment, Emiliano Martinez celebrates after his heroics for Argentina.
Man of the moment, Emiliano Martinez celebrates after his heroics for Argentina. (Photo Credit: Copa America/X)

However, Martinez once again proved to be Argentina's saviour, denying Angel Mena and Alan Minda's efforts immediately after Messi's miss to fire his side through to the semi-finals.

Fans were quick to hail the 'best goalkeeper in the world' on social media, with one supporter declaring:

Martinez with his man of the match award after his heroics for Argentina. (Image Credit: Copa America/X)
Martinez with his man of the match award after his heroics for Argentina.

YOU ARE LOOKING AT THE BEST GOALKEEPER IN THE WORLD!!! 2 BACK TO BACK SAVES IN THE PENALTY SHOOTOUTS!??"

Another Argentina fan warned: "You don't take Argentina to penalties and expect Martinez to allow you through", while one simply stated: "The Martinez family!!!! Goal scored by the butcher, 2 penalty saves from the best goalkeeper in the world. Vamos Argentina!!!!!"

One supporter admitted he would "never doubt Martinez ever again", hailing him as "the best penalty GK of all time".

Martinez's ability to get into the opposition's heads from the spot has made him a nightmare for any team facing Argentina, with one fan declaring: "He will get into your head, he will catch your penalty and he will laugh at you."

Emiliano Martinez and Lisandro Martinez celebrate after Argentina's win.
Emiliano Martinez and Lisandro Martinez celebrate after Argentina's win.

The 31-year-old has now produced heroics for Argentina at the last three major tournaments - the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup and now the 2024 Copa America - cementing his status as the world's premier shot-stopper.

Messi and Argentina will be mightily relieved to have their penalty saving saviour between the sticks as they bid to defend their Copa America crown, with Martinez once again proving he is the best goalkeeper on the planet from 12 yards.

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