World Cup Hero Emi Martinez Trolls Upset Fans in France by Dancing After Game-Winning Penalty Save
Two years after helping Lionel Messi and Argentina win the World Cup against France, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez broke the hearts of French soccer fans yet again.
In Thursday’s UEFA Europa Conference League quarterfinal match between Villa and Ligue 1 side Lille, Martinez made two crucial saves in a 4–3 penalty shootout win that was as tense as it was entertaining.
Martinez, who was booked for time-wasting in regulation and then booked again during the shootout for poor gamesmanship, couldn’t help trolling home fans at Stade Pierre-Mauroy after sending his team through to the semifinals.
In the knockout tie, Martinez saved Lille midfielder Benjamin Andre’s kick to clinch the victory for Aston Villa. Immediately following his game-winning block, Martinez started dancing on the pitch in front of the opposing French fans.
The Argentinian penalty hero became France’s most hated villain once more, as Thursday’s win marks his fifth straight penalty shootout win for club and country.
Most soccer fans were delighted to see Martinez back to his unserious, fun-loving ways.
