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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Alex Young

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez explains lewd trophy gesture toward France fans

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has explained his bizarre Golden Glove trophy celebration which saw him thrust the object toward France fans.

Martinez was named goalkeeper of the tournament after making two saves in the penalty shootout victory in the World Cup Final, having also denied Randal Kolo Muani in the closing minutes of extra time.

He celebrated by placing the gold trophy near his crotch and thrusting it toward French supporters inside the Lusail Iconic Stadium.

After the game, he explained to Argentine radio station La Red: "I did it because the French booed me. Pride does not work with me."

(AP)

Martinez was a lively presence during the shootout, showing off some extravagant dance moves after saving Kingsley Coman's spot kick and then successfully doing enough to put off Aurelien Tchouameni, who fired wide.

After the game, footage from the Argentina dressing room showed Martinez asking his team-mates for a "minute’s silence" for Kylian Mbappe, who was now "dead".

"We suffered a lot," Martinez told reporters after the game. "We thought we were in control but they managed to come back. It was a very complicated game. Our destiny was to suffer.

"They had one last chance to win [when he saved Randal Kolo Muani’s late shot], luckily I was able to stop it with my foot.

"This is a moment I’ve always dreamed of living, I have no words for it. I left very young for England and I would like to dedicate this victory to my family."

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