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Argentina to Face Brazil in Copa America Final


Wed 07 Jul 2021 | 02:13 PM
Mohamed Helba

Emiliano Martinez denied three penalties as Argentina defeated Colombia in a semi-final shootout to qualify  Saturday's Copa America final against Brazil.

The Aston Villa keeper denied Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina and Edwin Cardona from the spot after the game ended 1-1.

Lionel Messi set up Lautaro Martinez to put Argentina ahead before Luis Diaz levelled to send the game to penalties.

Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Leandro Paredes all netted  their penalties in the shootout, but Emiliano Martinez has another opinion as he save three penalties to produce a hat-trick of ping saves after being rarely troubled during the game.

The 28-year-old, who moved to English football with Arsenal and had loan spells at Rotherham, Oxford, Reading, Sheffield Wednesday and Wolves, also earned a talking to from the referee for his ceaseless chat aimed at Colombia's players as they lined up to take their kicks.

"They took us to penalties and that's a question of luck, today it was my turn for glory," he said. "I'm speechless."

Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi, who is looking to win his first senior trophy with Argentina, greeted the Villa keeper on his performance.

"It was difficult at times," Messi said. "But we have 'Emi' and he's phenomenal. We trusted him."

Argentina, who won the last of their 14 Copa America titles in 1993, face defending champions Brazil at the Maracana on Saturday.