Messi’s Argentina in World Cup final showdown with France
DOHA: Argentina face defending champions France in the World Cup final on Sunday with Lionel Messi seeking to win the honor that has so far eluded one of football’s greatest ever players.
Emiliano Martinez Sport News
Martinez: GOAT Messi gives us edge over favoured French
Emiliano Martinez is ready to fight for World Cup glory alongside "the greatest player of all time" as Lionel Messi's Argentina take on reigning champions France in Sunday's mouth-watering final.
Martinez: Argentina are getting better with every game
Argentina have improved during the World Cup and found their best form on Tuesday when they beat Croatia 3-0 in the semi-finals, said goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Argentina began their World Cup campaign with a shock loss to Saudi Arabia but have since overcome adversity to come within a step of a long-awaited third world title. "Since I started playing in this team, we are getting better and better. We are not the Copa America team. We are not the Finalissima team. We are one step ahead," Martinez told Argentine newspaper Clarin. "We have to believe in great things. Believing it and working for it is something that identifies us a lot, with respect and ambition... We already have the talent. "I dream of returning to Argentina and doing the Olympic lap with my team mates at the Obelisco." Martinez said Argentina had suffered in the last-16 clash with Australia and the quarter-final against the Netherlands, after having both games under control. "This time at halftime we talked and said to each other 'don't let the same thing happen to us'. We had to kill it off. And defensively we played very well. Up front we have four world-class monsters," The 30-year-old Martinez has been key to Argentina's progress with match-winning saves against Australia and in the penalty shootout against the Dutch. After another fine performance against Croatia, team captain Lionel Messi referred to Martinez as a beast. "I love him (Messi). What he did in the Copa America was huge, but what he is doing in this World Cup is something I've never seen in my life," Martinez said. Messi confirmed he will play his last World Cup match in Sunday's final where Argentina will face the winners of Wednesday's last-four clash between France and Morocco.
Argentina getting better and better, says Martinez
Argentina have improved during the World Cup and found their best form on Tuesday when they beat Croatia 3-0 in the semi-finals, said goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Croatia have no complaints after World Cup exit
LUSAIL, Qatar : Croatia will leave the World Cup with no complaints and their heads held high after being beaten 3-0 by Argentina in the semi-finals, coach Zlatko Dalic said.
Tagliafico and Paredes in for Argentina against unchanged Croatia
LUSAIL, Qatar :Argentina made two changes in the starting eleven that won on penalties against the Netherlands for Tuesday's World Cup semi-final against Croatia, who named an unchanged line-up.
Modric and Croatia stand between Messi and World Cup final
DOHA: Lionel Messi and Argentina's World Cup dream remains alive but an indefatigable Croatia side inspired by the enduring brilliance of Luka Modric stands in their way in Tuesday's (Dec 13) semi-final in Doha.
Lionel Scaloni defends Argentina's behaviour in Netherlands victory
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni defended his team’s behaviour during the fiery quarter-final victory against the Netherlands as Lionel Messi and squad turn their attention to reaching the World Cup final.