Emiliano Martínez Sets Saves Record in World Cup Final
In a stunning performance in the World Cup final, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has also made history. Late in regulation against Spain, Martínez broke the saves record in a World Cup final with his ninth save of the match.
Beyond near-single-handedly sending the game to extra time, Martínez has now denied Spain 11 times and counting.
Argentina’s offense has struggled significantly, failing to record a shot in the first 105-plus minutes of play even as Spain turned up the pressure. But Martínez was there to continue to stave off La Roja’s long-awaited goal and hold the clean sheet at any costs.
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Eventually, though, the dam broke. Martínez allowed one goal in the first half of extra time, though it was later called back due to a foul in the box. He then allowed another at the start of the second extra time period, with Ferran Torres giving Spain a 1-0 lead.
This story will be updated.