Emiliano Martinez admitted Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt left him frustrated with his own performance, with the goalkeeper insisting he must do more as the defending champions continue their World Cup title defence.
Argentina recovered from two goals down in Atlanta to reach the quarter-finals through goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez. While the comeback grabbed the headlines, Martinez believed his teammates had carried him through another difficult night.
“After the 2-0, I felt like I couldn’t help anyone, and I don’t like that feeling,” Martinez said. “I think my time will come. I need to help them a lot more. They’re saving me in several games, and it’s my turn to do it.”
The goalkeeper also revealed captain Messi blamed himself at half-time after missing a first-half penalty, but Martinez quickly shifted the focus away from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Leo felt guilty at halftime, but he has saved us so many times. That’s why I have to play better,” he said.
Martinez admitted the final whistle brought relief after Argentina came close to an early exit.
“Obviously, tears come because you think you’re going home and you didn’t give enough. We don’t want to let anyone down, and we want to represent ourselves as Argentinians.”
The Aston Villa goalkeeper also believes the difficult wins over Cape Verde and Egypt could strengthen Argentina for the challenges ahead.
“We were talking with the guys about how we didn’t experience what we did in these two matches at the last World Cup,” Martinez said. “It’s good to face what’s coming, and if we have to suffer, we will. I think there will be a match along the way where we don’t suffer so much.”
Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals, with Martinez convinced his biggest contribution at this tournament still lies ahead.
