Soccer Football - Copa America 2024 - Quarter Final - Argentina v Ecuador - NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas, United States - July 4, 2024 Argentina's Emiliano Martinez reacts during the penalty shootout REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian Soccer Football - Copa America 2024 - Quarter Final - Argentina v Ecuador - NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas, United States - July 4, 2024 Argentina's Emiliano Martinez and teammates celebrate after winning the penalty shootout REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian With two spectacular saves in a penalty shootout and a hip-shaking dance to celebrate, Argentina's Emi Martinez was at his flamboyant best against Ecuador in the Copa America. The showman goalie's performance saved his captain Lionel Messi's blushes after he had clipped his penalty onto the crossbar, taking favourites Argentina into the semi-finals despite a shaky performance against far lower-ranked opponents. It also extended the 31-year-old's penalty record with Argentina to an astonishing 50%.
Of 24 penalties faced for the national side, Martinez has saved nine with three off target. "Dibu's an animal. What he's doing is crazy," said grateful teammate Rodrigo De Paul, using his nickname from a cartoon character.
In Houston on Thursday night, Martinez was unable to reprise the more controversial mind games he has used in the past: trash talking with penalty-takers as they walk up, moving the ball away, arguing with the referee. After such antics at the World Cup helped Argentina to shootout wins over the Net.
