'An animal in goal' - Emi Martinez hailed for ‘crazy’ penalty record after more shootout heroics for Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Copa America quarter-finals

Having previously helped the Albiceleste to Copa America and World Cup glory with his ability to win spot-kick mind games, Martinez is in the process of chasing down another continental crown. He repelled two efforts from 12 yards as Argentina battled past Ecuador in a 2024 Copa quarter-final.

Rodrigo De Paul has said of having Martinez between the sticks in the most pressurised of situations: “We have an animal in goal. What he is doing is crazy. He deserves it. He loves these colours. He gives us a lot of security and peace of mind. We try to do the same for him but in these important moments he is always there.”

Argentina almost threw the game away against Ecuador, as Lisandro Martinez’s opener was cancelled out in the 91st minute, but they held their nerve despite seeing talismanic captain Messi clip a Panenka penalty against the crossbar. De Paul added on reaching the last four: “We knew that the match was going to be difficult. We would like to play better with the ball sometimes. Although we always have to be self-critical, there are many things that are not allowing us to play our game and everything we have been showing. But the team ran and scored. There was a great effort from everyone. I am very happy to be playing in the semi-finals again. In the last four tournaments we have reached this stage, almost until the last day. I think we have to be proud of everything we are achieving.”

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Argentina are waiting to discover whether they will face Canada or Venezuela in the semi-finals. They are guaranteed of at least a shot at a bronze medal, in the third place play-off, but collective focus is locked on defending a title that was recaptured back in 2021.