CORNERFLICK
Emiliano Martínez has admitted he has not been at his best at the 2026 World Cup, despite Argentina surviving their last-16 comeback against Egypt.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper has conceded four goals in two knockout games, including two against Cape Verde and two against Egypt. That is a long way from the level he showed on the way to winning the Golden Glove at the 2022 World Cup.
Martínez said he felt he had let the side down after the second goal against Egypt. “After the second goal, I saw the game as dark. The truth is I felt I had not been able to help anyone, and I had never experienced that feeling in the national team of returning home without helping my team,” he said.
Argentina remain in the tournament, but the quarter-finals will demand greater defensive discipline. The article also points to Spain under Luis de la Fuente as an example, with the side yet to concede a goal so far. The wider point is clear: at this stage, avoiding mistakes can matter as much as creating chances.