EMI MARTINEZ’S “s***house” theatrics helped Argentina beat France on penalties in the World Cup final.
The thrilling clash went to spot kicks after a pulsating 3-3 draw in Qatar.
Kylian Mbappe coolly tucked away France’s first penalty, having also beaten Martinez twice from 12 yards during the 120 minutes.
But Mbappe’s team-mates couldn’t handle Martinez’s antics.
The shimmying, swaggering Aston Villa goalkeeper saved Kingsley Coman’s spot kick.
He then won a battle of mind games with Aurelien Tchouameni to put Argentina close to the finishing line.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
Tchouameni, 22, was made to wait an age to take his penalty after Martinez threw the ball away.
The referee booked the stopper for his unsportsmanlike conduct – but the damage had been done.
The French midfielder missed the target altogether, with Martinez performing a dance in celebration.
Randal Kolo Muani did manage to blast home France’s next penalty kick.
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
But Gonzalo Montiel then had the opportunity to win the World Cup for Argentina – sending Hugo Lloris the wrong way to launch his country into dreamland.
Martinez, 30, had also made a crucial stop to deny Kolo Muani one-on-one in the final seconds of extra time.
And after his shoot-out antics, fans couldn’t help but point out his incredible role in Argentina’s victory.
One wrote: “I love Emiliano Martinez biggest s***house in football.”
While a second tweeted: “Emi Martinez is a proper s***house and I absolutely love it”
A third gushed: “Emi Martinez what a world class s***house.”
But a fourth wanted to point out: “Emi Martinez picking Kylian Mbappe up off the floor after the game.
“Emi can be a massive s***house but that was a touch of class from our keeper.”
The stopper was rewarded for his performances after the match by picking up the Golden Glove award.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
