Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez played an excellent game between the posts as he led his team to a narrow victory over Ecuador in the Copa America.
That evening he saved two penalties in a shootout and was once again the hero for his country.
In regulation time, Enner Valencia’s penalty hit the post after Martinez manipulated a number of Argentina’s mind games in a manner similar to the penalty shootout against France at the 2022 World Cup.
But it was in that shootout that ‘Dibu’ Martinez shone brightest.
After Lionel Messi missed his first penalty, Martinez made sure Ecuador didn’t get the lead over Argentina, diving to the left of the keeper and gloved the ball against the keeper to prevent it from going into the net.
Emiliano Martinez saved the day twice for Argentina in a penalty shootout against Ecuador
His saves on the first two kicks ensured Argentina progressed to the semi-finals of the Copa America.
The next time he asked, he repeated his trick, this time diving to his right and connecting with Ecuador’s second kick with his left glove.
Martinez celebrated his achievement with the same hip dance he performed during the World Cup final.
From that point on, all Argentina had to do was convert all their penalties.
Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel and the final penalty taker Nicolas Otamendi did just that and ensured Argentina progressed to the semi-finals of the Copa America.
There they will face the winner of Friday afternoon’s match between Venezuela and Canada.
Argentina played Canada earlier in the tournament, defeating the Maple Leafs 2-0 in the opening game in Atlanta.