Emi Martinez’s crazy penalty record shows why no one wants to face him

Emiliano Martinez has quickly become one of the most important goalkeepers in the history of the legendary Argentina national team.

Copa America and World Cup winners in just a couple of seasons, the performances of “Dibu” have marked an era and have even literally changed the rules of the game.

After his antics in the World Cup at Qatar 2022, FIFA changed the rules for penalties, preventing goalkeepers from addressing the penalty takers, something that Martínez has long used to his advantage to win the mental game and unbalance the opposing kicker.

One of Martinez’s greatest strengths is when it comes to penalties, where he stands out with his technique and his shot-stopping ability, but also with his mentality.

After another heroic performance to send Argentina into the Copa America semifinals with a shootout win against Ecuador, The Sporting News looks at his penalty record.

How many penalties has Emi Martinez saved for Argentina?

Of the 24 penalties that have been taken against him in matches for the Albiceleste, Martinez has saved 9 of them, and his opponents have also missed another 3.

They have converted 12 of them against him, which means that he has an effectiveness percentage, whether it be by saving them or seeing his opponents miss, of 50%!

All the penalties saved by Emi Martinez for Argentina and those missed by his opponents

1. Arturo Vidal (Copa America 2021 – Group stage): Saved
2. Davinson Sanchez (Copa America 2021 – Semi-Final): Saved
3. Yerry Mina (Copa America 2021 – Semi-Final): Saved
4. Edwin Cardona (Copa America 2021 – Semi-Final): Saved
5. Yoshimar Yotun (World Cup 2022 Qualifiers): Missed
6. Virgil van Dijk (World Cup 2022 – Quarterfinals): Saved
7. Steven Berghuis (World Cup 2022 – Quarterfinals): Saved
8. Kingsley Coman (World Cup 2022 – Final): Saved
9. Aurelien Tchouameni (World Cup 2022 – Final): Missed
10. Enner Valencia (Copa America 2024 – Quarterfinals): Missed
11. Angel Mena (Copa America 2024 – Quarterfinals): Saved
12. Alan Minda (Copa America 2024 – Quarterfinals): Saved