Emiliano Martínez

Emiliano Martinez has been blasted for his "pretty despicable" antics in the World Cup 2022 final after his heroics helped Argentina triumph over France.

he did his job." "He did what a goalkeeper has to do," he said. “That wasn’t on. “I thought it was a pretty despicable thing to do [throwing the ball away]. World Cup Emiliano Martínez (Argentina) - FIFA World Cup 2022

Argentina goalkeeper has previous form saving from the spot, and however contentious, is the ultimate difference-maker.

Although his antics during these deciders may not be to everyone’s taste, it is worth remembering that we got to witness them on Sunday only because of his remarkable save from Kolo Muani in the final minute of extra time. It will be intriguing to see whether football’s lawmakers crack down on the kind of shenanigans for which the name “Martínez” has in recent years become a byword. It was Fernandes, not Ronaldo, who sent the ball sailing high over the bar, prompting an inflammatory Martínez jig in front of the Stretford End. Argentina’s goalkeeper has no shortage of previous in the field of gamesmanship and it could be seen on Sunday even before he tried to mess with Tchouaméni’s mind. Martínez was clearly playing to the gallery for yuks but, as visual metaphors for this stained tournament went, one could argue it could scarcely have been more inappropriately appropriate. Alone with his thoughts, Tchouaméni made the long walk from the centre-circle while Martínez stood in wait, ball in hand as he whipped the crowd behind the goal into a frenzy.

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has explained why he held the top goalkeeper award near his groin in the presentation following his side's thrilling ...

He said it was a message for the French fans who made the trip to Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Martinez was vital during the 120 minutes of the 3-3 draw and then again in the penalty shoot-out as Argentina claimed their third World Cup title and first since 1986. It was also key in Argentina’s quarter-final shootout victory over Netherlands.

Argentina goalie explains vulgar World Cup gesture, gets roasted over 'despicable' shootout tactic.

“This is a moment I’ve always dreamed of living, I have no words for it. “I thought it was a pretty despicable thing to do [throwing the ball away]. He brilliantly denied France’s Kingsley Coman with a diving left save in the performance. He was joined at the trophy ceremony by teammate Lionel Messi, who won the Golden Ball, as well as Enzo Fernandez, the winner of the Best Young Player award. Martinez raised eyebrows during the postgame ceremony when he was seen holding the trophy near his groin, appearing to thrust his hips. “That wasn’t on.

There was no doubt, however, that Emiliano Martinez helped inspire Argentina to their historic third World Cup title in the 2022 final in Qatar as he produced heroics both through the match and also in the decisive penalty shootout.

he did his job." "He did what a goalkeeper has to do," he said. “That wasn’t on. “I thought it was a pretty despicable thing to do [throwing the ball away]. World Cup Emiliano Martínez (Argentina) - FIFA World Cup 2022

He also made a key stop during the shootout as Argentina held their nerve to win 4-2 on penalties to claim their first World Cup trophy since 1986. But the ...

Martinez has since explained why he did it. [ ](https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/world-cup) ](https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/world-cup/300764326/new-zealand-match-commissioner-chris-kemp-rubbing-shoulders-with-lionel-messi-and-kylian-mbapp=) ](https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/world-cup/300768425/argentina-vs-france-lionel-messi-gets-his-fairytale-world-cup-final-send-off) ](https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/world-cup/300768551/argentina-vs-france-lionel-messi-wins-world-cup-to-push-claim-to-be-footballs-goat)

The 30-year-old left officials stunned with his post-match antics in Qatar.