Emi Martinez

[LeeB]

https://twitter.com/Culernpl/status/1412617540455473159?s=19

Haha

Goatkeeper, lol.

[dave shelley]

He needs to be careful, if memory serves Colombian's have a tendency to shoot footballers they don't like.

[purpletrousers]

How many indubitable world class players do we have?!

[purpletrousers]

He's bloody brilliant, now if he can just tap up Messi on a free that would be good.

Nice to read (from the Beeb)


Emiliano Martinez saved three penalties as Argentina beat Colombia in a semi-final shootout to advance to Saturday's Copa America final against Brazil.

The Aston Villa keeper denied Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina and Edwin Cardona from the spot after the game ended 1-1.

Lionel Messi set up Lautaro Martinez to put Argentina ahead before Luis Diaz levelled to send the game to penalties.

The final will be broadcast live on the BBC, with kick-off at 01:00 BST on Sunday, 11 July.

Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Leandro Paredes all scored their penalties in the shootout, but Emiliano Martinez was the hero as he produced a hat-trick of diving saves after being rarely troubled during the game.

The 28-year-old, who moved to English football with Arsenal and had loan spells at Rotherham, Oxford, Reading, Sheffield Wednesday and Wolves, also earned a talking to from the referee for his ceaseless chat aimed at Colombia's players as they lined up to take their kicks.

"They took us to penalties and that's a question of luck, today it was my turn for glory," he said. "I'm speechless."

Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi, who is looking to win his first senior trophy with Argentina, praised the Villa keeper for ensuring they "fulfilled our objective" of reaching the final.

"It was difficult at times," Messi said. "But we have 'Emi' and he's phenomenal. We trusted him."

Argentina, who won the last of their 14 Copa America titles in 1993, face defending champions Brazil at the Maracana on Saturday.

Brazil, who have won the Copa America nine times - and on all five of the previous occasions they have hosted the tournament - beat Peru 1-0 in the other semi-final on Tuesday.

[eamonn]

He needs to be careful, if memory serves Colombian's have a tendency to shoot footballers they don't like.

That happened ONE time! "I've been working here for 18 years and in 1975, no one died. In 1976, no one died. In 1977, no one died. In 1978, no one died. In 1979, no-one died. In 1980... someone died. In 1981, no one died. In 1982, there was the incident with the pigeon. In 1983, no one died... I mean, I could go on."

[SamTheMouse]

There can't be a better keeper anywhere in the world right now. Priceless.

[PaulWinch again]

No I’ve thought he’s the best for a while. I’d be negotiating a new contract now.

[Brazilian Villain]

He’s only been here a year but he’s already one of my favourite players ever.

Same here, well done Emi!

Hope him and Messi pick up winners medals but it'll be nice for Villa fans to have an interest in a final on Sunday.

[andyh]

I tell you what, our players are in for one hell of a ‘shock and awe’ moment when they enter a full Villa Park.

[Brazilian Villain]

He's magnificent.

Even Messi knows he's the boss, a born leader. https://twitter.com/moillorens/status/1412653344984870916

[SoccerHQ]

Got to get this guy on a new deal when he returns, ten more years just to be on the safe side.

Simply one of the best signings we've made in decades.

Also got a dream vision in next 2-3 years we'll win FA cup or league cup final on penalties and Emi will save the key one from Bruno Fernandes.

Total beast in that shootout.

[West Derby Villan]

What a fantastic penalty stopper

[Ads]

The best in the world. Legitimately, the best keeper, in the world. Plays for us and beloved by Messi.

Which is nice.

[SoccerHQ]

How many indubitable world class players do we have?!

Two. Him and Jack.

Actually think from what he's shown over last 18 months Konsa has the potential to get into world class bracket eventually as England will start calling him up after the euros.

Bit of pressure on the manager next season really, given all our key players will be coming back on massive high from national team performances and are at the right age to continue peaking we've got to be doing significantly better than 11th from now on.

[Brend'Watkins]

How many indubitable world class players do we have?!

Two. Him and Jack.

Actually think from what he's shown over last 18 months Konsa has the potential to get into world class bracket eventually as England will start calling him up after the euros.

Bit of pressure on the manager next season really, given all our key players will be coming back on massive high from national team performances and are at the right age to continue peaking we've got to be doing significantly better than 11th from now on.

Pressure is a privilege according to Billy Jean King the philosopher.