GOALKEEPER penalty antics appear to be on the up, with another incredible case in the Saudi Cup which has left fans drawing comparisons to Emiliano Martinez.
The Argentine used some controversial tactics during the World Cup final as he attempted to psyche out his opponent.
This proved dividends for him and his nation as Aurelien Tchouameni and Kingsley Coman were unable to net from 12 yards which handed the Jules Rimet to Lionel Messi and Co.
And it would seem this “s***housery” is common among South American goalies, with Brazilian Marcelo Grohe producing some incredible mind games in the Saudi Cup.
Grohe was facing former Sevilla and Inter Milan star Ever Banega to help his side, Al-Ittihad Club, win their clash on penalties.
The 35-year-old bounced from side to side on his line before Banega skied his penalty and dropped to the floor.
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Then to rub salt in the wounds, an ecstatic Grohe rushed towards a face-down Banega and celebrated wildly in front of him.
An astonishing fact is Banega MISSED a penalty during the game too, with Grohe producing a stunning save to deny the Argentine just before half-time.
But it was his shoot-out antics which got fans talking.
One fan said: “Classic Brazilian vs Argentinian s***housery.”
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A second crudely joked: “Somewhere in Argentina Emi Martinez just got rock hard.”
A third said: “Damn this might be a bit too far hahaha.”
Another added: “Emi Martinez taking notes.”
Some fans were stunned that former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo was there too.
Following his less-than successful stint at Spurs the 48-year-old was recruited by the Saudi Pro League side in the summer, with them yet to lose a game under him.
Meanwhile, Martinez is set to miss Aston Villa’s Boxing Day clash against beaten Carabao Cup holders Liverpool due to him not yet returning from his World Cup party hangover.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
