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Martinez confident in Argentina over Spain
Martinez has reflected on Argentina's painful World Cup final defeat against Spain. The South Americans suffered a narrow loss when Torres scored the only goal of the game during extra time.
However, the Chelsea goalkeeper remains incredibly confident in his national team. The 34-year-old insists that Argentina would emerge victorious if the two sides squared off again today. Speaking in an interview, Martinez offered a bold assessment of the current balance of power in international football. He believes Scaloni's men possess the quality to overturn that bitter result.
Chelsea star praises Spanish opposition
Martinez did not shy away from acknowledging the immense talent within the Spanish ranks. He admitted that Luis de la Fuente has built a formidable squad capable of challenging any opponent on the global stage. Despite that respect, the shot-stopper feels Argentina have the upper hand right now. He opened up about his feelings during a candid conversation with journalist Gaston Edul.
"I knew the players of the Spanish national football team were very good," Martinez explained. "But, I don't know, I felt and feel currently that we beat them if we play now."
Comparing Spain to France in 2022
The discussion then shifted to previous tournaments and the calibre of opponents Argentina have faced. Martinez famously helped his country win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a dramatic penalty shootout against France.
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✅ Streams the popular "Goal Rush" whip-around show, which jumps between live highlights during the packed Saturday 10:00 a.m. ET window.
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✅ Carries both USA Network and your local NBC station, ensuring you get every nationally televised match.
✅ Includes unlimited cloud DVR storage so you can easily record and save early morning fixtures.
✅ Replicates the classic set-top box feel with a familiar channel guide, making it easy to channel-surf on weekend mornings.
Peacock Premium
✅ Streams roughly 175 exclusive live matches per season that are completely blacked out on traditional TV.
✅ Acts as the league's US archive, providing full on-demand match replays shortly after every live broadcast concludes.
✅ Streams the popular "Goal Rush" whip-around show, which jumps between live highlights during the packed Saturday 10:00 a.m. ET window.
Sling TV
✅ Provides nationwide access to USA Network, securing the primary cable home for the league's linear broadcasts.
✅ Includes access to live, local NBC affiliates for the marquee weekend matches in designated major media markets.
✅ Serves as the cheapest way to access live cable TV sports channels without paying for a bloated traditional bundle.
DirecTV
✅ Carries both USA Network and your local NBC station, ensuring you get every nationally televised match.
✅ Includes unlimited cloud DVR storage so you can easily record and save early morning fixtures.
✅ Replicates the classic set-top box feel with a familiar channel guide, making it easy to channel-surf on weekend mornings.
Peacock Premium
✅ Streams roughly 175 exclusive live matches per season that are completely blacked out on traditional TV.
✅ Acts as the league's US archive, providing full on-demand match replays shortly after every live broadcast concludes.
✅ Streams the popular "Goal Rush" whip-around show, which jumps between live highlights during the packed Saturday 10:00 a.m. ET window.
When comparing the two European heavyweights, the goalkeeper admitted that the French side instilled more fear in him. He pointed to their previous tournament success and squad maturity as key factors.
"France 2022 gave me more respect," Martinez concluded. "They had been world champions back then, and had a much better age and more experience in the final. I had more respect for them."
Continuing his recovery from injury
Martinez is currently sidelined following surgery for a fractured jaw - an injury sustained during the Blues' 2-0 victory over Everton. He remains focused on his recovery so that he can return to the squad as soon as possible.