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.”

Lionel Messi let his emotions show during the semi final penalty shootout as the cameras were rolling.

Messi took the first penalty for Argentina while Emiliano Martinez was the hero. There was an exclusive camera by TyC Sports which followed Messi around throughout the shootout.

He was seen hugging his team mates and celebrating. At one point, when Martinez saved Mina’s penalty, Messi was shown yelling at Mina and telling him to “dance now”, in reference to Mina dancing after he scored his penalty vs. Uruguay in their match.