Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martínez suffered World Cup final heartbreak as Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time in New Jersey.
Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, ending Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the trophy.
Martínez did everything possible to keep his country in the final. The 33-year-old made a World Cup final-record 12 saves as Spain dominated possession and created the clearer chances.
His stops repeatedly frustrated Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal before Torres eventually found a way past him.
Argentina’s task became more difficult when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card late in normal time. Lionel Scaloni’s side were forced to play the whole of extra time with 10 men.
Martínez denied historic second World Cup
The defeat brought a painful end to another outstanding international tournament for the Villa goalkeeper.
Martínez started every knockout match as Argentina overcame Egypt, Switzerland and England to reach a second consecutive final.
He had spoken about the emotion surrounding Argentina’s recent success before the match. ReadAstonVilla covered how Martínez had been moved to tears by his country’s achievements as he prepared to defend the trophy won in Qatar four years ago.
Spain deservedly secured their second men’s World Cup, but Martínez emerged with considerable credit. The Associated Press reported that his record number of saves kept Argentina in contention until the closing stages of extra time.
Martínez will now receive a post-tournament break before returning to Unai Emery’s squad.
The result will hurt after Argentina came so close to another historic triumph. However, Villa’s number one returns as a World Cup finalist following another tournament which reinforced his standing among the game’s leading goalkeepers.
