Martinez ´kicked three times´ by Mbappe and France before World Cup penalty shoot-out heroics

Emiliano Martinez was thrilled with his response to being “kicked three times” by France and Kylian Mbappe, as the goalkeeper produced penalty shoot-out heroics to help Argentina claim World Cup glory.

Martinez saved from Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis in a quarter-final victory over the Netherlands, and on Sunday he denied France’s Kingsley Coman from 12 yards as La Albiceleste prevailed 4-2 on penalties after a hugely entertaining 3-3 draw at Lusail Stadium.

Martinez, who was awarded the Golden Glove accolade, was beaten three times in the final by Mbappe – including twice from the penalty spot – as Lionel Scaloni’s side were pegged back from 2-0 and 3-2 ahead.

But the Aston Villa stopper – once an Arsenal reserve who spent time on loan at Oxford United – came to the fore again for his nation, before Gonzalo Montiel slotted the decisive kick.

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“I lived the penalties quietly,” Martinez said in quotes reported on Argentina’s Twitter account. “Again, they kicked me three times, and they scored three goals. But I think I did everything right afterwards.

“I left a very humble place and, as a young man, I went to England. I want to dedicate this to my family.”

Defender Nicolas Tagliafico added: “The first half was very good. In the second, we had our mistakes, but we knew how to pull it off. I dedicate it to all Argentines and all the people who supported this.”