Emiliano Martínez became a World Cup winner on Sunday afternoon.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper helped Argentina overcome France 4-2 on penalties after an epic final ended 3-3 in Qatar.
Martínez saved one spot kick in the shoot-out while his teammates kept their cool to net all four of their penalties. He then picked up the Golden Glove award before his side collected the trophy.
A World Cup winner’s medal adds to Martínez’s triumphs in the Copa América and Finalissima with his country.
Lionel Messi sent the Argentines into raptures with the opening goal after 23 minutes, converting a penalty.
A second goal followed before half-time when Angel Di Maria finished off a wonderful, flowing team move.
Martínez was largely untroubled by France before they staged a stunning comeback and got back on level terms with two goals in two minutes.
The goalkeeper went the right way but couldn’t keep out Kylian Mbappe’s spot kick as Les Bleus gave themselves hope after 80 minutes.
The striker was celebrating once again moments later when he volleyed past Martínez to send the game to extra-time.
Messi looked to have fired Argentina to the title with a goal after 108 minutes, but Mbappe slotted away a second penalty to complete his hat-trick with three minutes left.
There was still time for Martínez to make a vital save from Randal Kolo Muani, branded “the biggest save of his life” by commentator Jermaine Jenas, before the match headed to penalties.
The ‘keeper got a hand to Mbappe’s third spot kick of the match but couldn’t keep it out before he saved from Kingsley Coman.
Aurélien Tchouaméni sent France’s third penalty wide, while Kolo Muani scored their fourth. A fifth was not required after Argentina scored all four of their penalties, with Gonzalo Montiel scoring the winning spot kick.
Delirious scenes followed as Martínez and his countrymen revelled in their first World Cup title since 1986.
Congratulations Emi!
