Argentina’s legendary goalkeeper during the Italy 1990 World Cup, Sergio Goycochea, suffered just like a child during Argentina’s penalty shootout win vs. Colombia in the semi finals of the Copa America.
“Goyco”, who is one of the commentators for TV Pública during their broadcasts of Argentina’s matches throughout this Copa America, was recorded by his co-workers during the agonic that was the penalty shootout vs. Colombia.
“Throw it over the crossbar. Over the crossbar!”
Those were Goycochea’s words when Edwin Cardona was about to kick Colombia’s last penalty. When Emiliano Martínez saved it, “Goyco” started jumping and celebrating as millions of Argentina fans did.
No stranger to penalty shootouts or the Copa America, “Goyco” took part in two penalty shootouts for Argentina at the 1990 World Cup, winning both of them. He was also part of the Argentina team which won the 1991 and 1993 Copa’s America.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni reportedly has four spots on the team which are up for grabs.
Per a report by Radio La Red in Argentina, Scaloni has not yet decided on the starting eleven for the Copa America final. Per the report, the right back spot between Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel is one of that remains unclear.
It was Nahuel Molina who started in the penalty shootout win vs. Colombia but he was replaced at half time by Montiel. The other spot is who would partner Nicolás Otamendi.
Cristian Romero has missed most of the Copa America with a knee injury and has been replaced by Germán Pezzella.
The third spot is between Marcos Acuña and Nicolás Tagliafico. Acuna had started the last few matches but fatigue saw him being rested for the semi final and Nicolás Tagliafico had a good showing in that match.
Guido Rodríguez started ahead of Leandro Paredes in midfield in the win vs. Colombia but the second half saw both of them play as Paredes was substituted into the match. Paredes even took and scored a penalty in the penalty shootout win.
Emiliano Martinez has stolen the headlines in Argentina and across everything that is Copa America since the semi final win on Tuesday. He drove the Colombian players crazy during the penalty shootout and saved three of the five penalty kicks he faced.
If you missed it, you can read the translations of Emiliano Martinez’s comments by clicking here, with a video included. However, while his comments came as a surprise to many, it was no surprise to his brother. His older brother Alejandro spoke in an interview with AméricaTV regarding Emiliano. Here’s what he had to say:
“He’s daring, he always drove me crazy. Psychologically, he ruins you and you can see that he was lucky and succeeded, hope he keeps it up. I had absolute faith in him, my heard was there with him. Emi has always had a commanding voice, he’s a leader in the area and as a person.
“I wouldn’t disregard that tomorrow he becomes captain, he’s a reference point and he has shown that in four or five matches. It’s difficult for any player and he’s done it his entire life just like when we used to play. Two years ago we bet on penalties to see who would wash the dishes.”
Martinez also became a father while with the Argentina national team and Alejandro commented on it too:
“It cost him a lot, he had to weigh everything out. He became a dad from a far and he is anxiously waiting to meet her.”
Alejandro also revealed that the reason why Emiliano Martinez wears the number 23 with Argentina is because his son is born on that date:
“It’s June 23, that’s why he wears number 23. They had given him the 12 and he asked for the other one. He brings his baby with him everywhere, he hits the ball very well and he’s only 3 years old. He’s left footed too, impressive.”
Emiliano Martínez was by far the man of the match in Argentina’s win on penalties against Colombia. In addition to providing security in between the three posts during the 90 minutes, Martínez saved three penalties in the shootout while distracting and putting pressure on the Colombian shooters by talking to them.
Here is the “Dibu” Martínez show in the penalty shootout vs. Colombia:
Emiliano Martínez didn’t say anything to Colombia’s first shooter, Juan Cuadrado, who’s kick went in. The talking from Argentina’s goalkeeper started with Colombia’s second shooter, Davinson Sánchez:
“I’ll eat you, bro. I’m sorry but I’ll eat you, bro. I’m sorry but I’ll eat you, bro!”
Those were Martinez’s words when Sánchez was running towards hitting the ball. Emiliano saved that penalty by jumping to his left.
On Colombia’s third penalty, Martínez would repeat his tactic. This time, it was Yerry Mina who went to grab the ball to place it in the penalty spot when “Dibu” started talking to him.
Martínez: “You are not going to celebrate in my face, are you?”
Mina: “No, no. Don’t worry.”
Martínez: “You look nervous, huh? You’re laughing but you’re nervous.”
Mina: “Yes”
Martínez: “You are nervous. You are nervous… Look, the ball is a little ahead (from the penalty spot). The ball is ahead!”
Mina: “No, it is on the white spot.”
Martínez: “Yes, play the fool. I know you. You like to be brag… Look, if you cross it, I’ll save it. I’ll eat you, bro. I’ll eat you, bro!”
Emiliano saved that penalty by throwing himself again to his left and celebrated euphorically. Both, the Argentina goalkeeper and the Colombian defender had previously collided in the World Cup Qualifiers game, which ended with Martínez injured.
“Dibu” repeated the same strategy with Miguel Borja, who’s penalty went in:
“Where is it going? I know you, huh. Look at me! Look at my face!”
With Colombia’s last penalty, Martínez didn’t say a word. He had just received a warning from the referee. Still, we can listen to someone, behind the goal, shouting at Edwin Cardona. Martínez saved it once more, throwing himself to the same post, qualifying Argentina to the Copa America final.
Former Argentina national team coach Alfio “Coco” Basile spoke about the team, the Copa America and Brazil while also stating that Argentina will be champions.
Alfio Basile remains the last man to ever coach Argentina to a senior trophy having won four trophies with the team. Basile coached Argentina to the 1991 Copa America, the 1992 Confederations Cup, the 1993 Artemio Franchi Trophy and the last trophy which was the 1993 Copa America.
Speaking to ESPN, here is what Basile had to say regarding the Copa America:
“This is the opportunity to win the Copa America. More because of the way Brazil are playing, they are a normal team, discreet. Taking out Neymar, they are normal players. This is our opportunity.”
In regards to Lionel Messi and a few of the other players:
“With Messi, we are already winning 1-0. He is a football beast. It’s a team still in training. I would would Paredes from the start. Lautaro Martinez is still learning but I like him.”
Regarding Lionel Scaloni:
“For me, he is doing very well. At the least, what he likes in football doesn’t differ much from mine. He plays the way I like. For anyone who watches the national team, they play like my team used to play.”
Finally, Basile spoke about his health as he was recently in the hospital:
“The truth is that I didn’t suffer, I had no problems. I was in the hospital for 10 days and they did everything they had to do. Obviously it’s not nice being there but it went very well. I am vaccinated. I think that did me very well. The doctors told me I was well. I didn’t even have a fever.”
