Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez spoke about the penalty kicks against Colombia and the possibility of penalty kicks against Italy.

Martínez was the hero for the Argentina national team against Colombia in the semi finals of the Copa America. Not only was the hero but as he was saving their penalties, he was speaking to the players. Speaking in an interview with DirecTV Sports, here is what he had to say:

“I never disrespected anyone, I never insulted an opponent. It was something that came out of me at the time but if you see my words, I never disrespected the player or his family. It was what came out at the time because I felt a little shy from the rival and I used it to take my country to a final.”

In regards to possibly going to penalty kicks against Italy on June 1 in their match:

“If we go to penalties vs. Italy, I’m not going to say in Italian “Look how I’m going to eat you”, I don’t know how you say it. It’s not what I will do, people think I will talk at all the penalties, the truth is no. I think of moving well because if I push myself well, I’ll reach the posts. I focus on that, nothing else.”

Javier Zanetti spoke about being left out of the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, the Argentina national team and Lionel Messi.

Zanetti is one of the best right backs of all time, not just for Argentina but in football. He was controversially left out of the 2006 and 2010 World Cups for Argentina by both Jose Pekerman and Diego Maradona. Speaking in an interview with Radio La Red, here is what he had to say:

“I am left with a bittersweet taste. I played all of the qualifiers and ended up out of the World Cup. With Pekerman, I got angry because I didn’t understand it.

“In 2010, it was my best moment and I didn’t go to the World Cup. With Diego, I couldn’t get mad. I didn’t understand the decision but I accepted it.”

In regards to the Argentina national team and the 2022 Qatar World Cup:

“I had high expectations and great enthusiasm for the draw. It excites me, not only because of the opponents but because of how I see Argentina.

“At a World Cup, you have to face everyone. The most important thing is the first match. There, you gain confidence and Argentina starts against Saudi Arabia, who you have to have respect for but…

“You have to be a little careful with Poland. They have interesting players. Take out Lewandowski, who we all already know, ZIelinski plays very well and they have a good goalkeeper.”

Regarding Lionel Messi and a possible retirement:

“That Messi can play until he is 40 only depends on him. Nature helped me a lot. Leaving football from one day to another is complicated. You have to prepare from before.”