Emiliano Martinez has said that Argentina’s supporters in Qatar have made a huge difference to the nation’s run to the finals.
Argentina overcame Croatia in Tuesday evening’s semi-final, with two goals from Julian Alvarez and a penalty kick from Lionel Messi proving to be the difference between the two sides.
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Speaking to beIN Sports after the win, the Aston Villa goalkeeper said: “I can’t believe it, I just can’t believe it. We lost the first game, suddenly everything went upside down, people. Doubt us because obviously we lost our 36 game unbeaten run.
“Against Mexico, we were a bit sloppy in the first half. Everyone wanted us to lose so it’s us against the rest of the world.
“I am very happy that this group of 26 players are all fighters and we have 45 million Argentines behind us. We feel crowded, the streets are full of Argentinians and every time we play we are at home. Always 40 or 50,000. The Argentines are in every ground and we are very happy with them.
Asked about Lionel Messi’s fitness and if there were any concerns after the forward was seen holding a hamstring, Martinez replied: “No, no, we played 120 minutes against Holland and it was for him. “It was a tough game but as you can see he wants it. To finish every game. He’s very good physically and he’s been man of the match every game.”