Copa América: I wasn’t prepared for Argentina exit – Martínez

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez declared he “wasn’t able to go dwelling” after saving his nation in a penalty shootout towards Ecuador in Thursday’s Copa América quarterfinal.

Regardless of Lionel Messi’s penalty miss for Argentina, the World Cup-winners prevailed because of Martínez’s two saves within the shootout following a 1-1 draw.

“I dive 500 occasions a day in each coaching session to have the ability to carry out,” an emotional Martínez stated. “I work for this, I at all times attempt to be at my greatest stage to present all the pieces for this nationwide group.

“I’m proud, pleased for all this. I advised the fellows I wasn’t able to go dwelling. Though we’re World Champions and Copa América holders, this group deserved to proceed.

“We now have been right here for 35 days, preventing for this. I’m pleased we’ve progressed. They performed a terrific recreation, very bodily. We knew they might be one of many hardest rivals within the Copa América.”

Martínez, 31, celebrated with the identical hip-thrusting dance that he exhibited after his spectacular efficiency in the course of the 2022 World Cup ultimate towards France.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper was key to the Albiceleste lifting the trophy in Qatar, with two saves within the decisive shootout following a 3-3 draw after further time.

Argentina captain Messi stated he knew Martínez would ship once more.

“I knew that Dibu [Martínez] is at all times in these moments, he likes these moments, he turns into nice,” Messi stated.

“In addition to, he’s nice when he’s in purpose. It’s difficult [for opponents], he’s very quick, he had a whole lot of religion, even earlier than the sport he was saying with us on the risk that if there have been penalties we needed to be calm. It’s lucky that after we get thus far [a penalty shootout] we’ve a bonus.”

Messi, 37, who broke the report for many minutes performed within the event’s historical past towards Ecuador, couldn’t conceal his disappointment after his failed panenka spot-kick hit the crossbar in Argentina’s opening penalty within the shootout.

The Inter Miami ahead began the quarterfinal regardless of being an harm doubt after lacking their ultimate group match towards Peru due to a hamstring downside.

“[There’s] a whole lot of anger,” Messi stated. “I used to be satisfied of kicking it like that. I had spoken with Dibu and with [Argentina’s backup goalkeeper Geronimo] Rulli, I had taken a few penalties aiming for the corners however I hadn’t practiced [the panenka]. In actual fact the [Ecuador] goalkeeper (Alexander Domínguez) had dived throughout and I attempted to the touch it however it went too excessive.”

Argentina will face the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal between Venezuela and Canada within the semifinals on Tuesday.