More than one Argentine player cried after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and admitted that they had suffered a lot to beat France, after an exciting confrontation that was decided by penalty kicks after a 3-3 tie in the original and extra periods.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said his team had struggled hard to win and lift the World Cup for the third time in his country's history, and the first since 1986.
"It was a combat fight, we knew it was going to happen," Martinez added. "I dreamed a lot about this day."
Martinez blocked a very dangerous opportunity in the second extra half, to prevent a sure goal that France almost won the title, and also saved a penalty kick taken by Koeman in the penalty shootout, so that the Argentine national team won the title for the third time in its history.
Ring 120 + 3: Mwani is unique, and goalkeeper Martinez was wonderful in defending his goal # Qatar 2022 |
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And when asked about his feeling during the penalty shootout, Martinez said that he was calm, and was keen to dedicate the title to his family, adding, "I come from a very humble place, this championship is a dedication to my family."
For his part, striker Lautaro Martinez said, crying, "I don't know what to say.. Look at this (atmosphere). I thank everyone, the Argentine people, my family, the 26 players, those who stayed abroad, the staff, the federation and everyone who was with us."
Lautaro #Martinez, striker #Argentina, dedicates the victory to his grandmother, who is going through a difficult period, his family, and his daughter#Argentina_France |
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He added, "I dedicate the title to all the people I mentioned, and to my family who are in the stands, and my mother at home who was watching the match with all her heart, and my grandmother who is not going through the best moments. I hope (this title) gives her more strength."
Argentine midfielder Rodrigo de Paul said, "I will not forget this. We should have suffered, but we deserved to win. We beat the last world champion. It is a happiness that cannot be described in words. I am proud to be Argentine, and today we are on top of the world."
As for coach Lionel Scaloni, he acknowledged his team's suffering during the match, and said, "I can't believe that we suffered to such a great degree in a perfect match, it's unbelievable, but in the end the team responded to everyone."
He added, crying on the air, "I am proud of the work we have done, it is a fun group, with all the blows we were exposed to today, and after France equalized twice, the emotions flowed, I would like to ask the fans to enjoy."
This is the third title for Argentina in the tournament, and the first since the coronation in 1986 with a semi-single performance by the late Diego Maradona, to compensate Lionel Messi and his companions for losing the 2014 final against Germany.
