Two years ago today, Emiliano Martínez turned into a hero for Argentina at the Copa America.
On July 6, 2021, it was Argentina against Colombia in Brasilia in the semi finals of the Copa America which was held in Brazil. With a place in the final at the Maracana, Lautaro Martínez gave Argentina an early 1-0 lead.
The second half saw Colombia draw level and while Argentina had an opportunity to score late in the match, it ended 1-1 and it went to penalty kicks.
Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez up to that moment, was having a very good Copa America. But he turned that very good Copa America into an excellent one where he became a national hero.
Three penalty kick saves and in Dibu fashion, Emiliano Martínez sent Argentina to the final. While Juan Cuadrado and Miguel Borja would score for Colombia but Davinson Sánchez, Yerry Mina and Edwin Cardona would all have their penalty kicks saved.
With Davinson Sánchez about to take his penalty, Dibu told him this:
““I’LL EAT YOU, BRO. I’M SORRY BUT I’LL EAT YOU, BRO. I’M SORRY BUT I’LL EAT YOU, BRO!””
He told this to Yerry Mina:
Martínez: “You are not going to celebrate in my face, are you?”
Mina: “No, no. Don’t worry.”
Martínez: “You look nervous, huh? You’re laughing but you’re nervous.”
Mina: “Yes”
Martínez: “You are nervous. You are nervous… Look, the ball is a little ahead (from the penalty spot). The ball is ahead!”
Mina: “No, it is on the white spot.”
Martínez: “Yes, play the fool. I know you. You like to be brag… Look, if you cross it, I’ll save it. I’ll eat you, bro. I’ll eat you, bro!”
And to Miguel Borja:
“WHERE IS IT GOING? I KNOW YOU, HUH. LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT MY FACE!”
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