Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez didn’t hold back after Argentina’s disappointing performance in the 2-1 win over Mauritania.
Although it was disappointment does not anger for the 33-year-old this time around.
TyC sport report on the Aston Villa goalkeeper today and his strong comments following the disappointing performance from the world champions on Friday.
Lionel Scaloni’s side beat the African nation in Buenos Aires last night in an international friendly as their preparations for the World Cup continue.
Poor showing from Argentina
Goals from Enzo Fernandez and Nico Paz secured the win, with Mauritania bagging a consolation goal in the 93rd minute following a scramble in the box.
Despite the result, the response from Argentina afterwards was not a positive one. Lionel Scaloni openly admitted afterwards that his team needed to improve. That was a sentiment shared by the Aston Villa goalkeeper.
“Pretty weak, to be honest,” was his assessment of the performance.
“It was one of the worst matches we’ve played, considering it was a friendly. We lacked intensity, we lacked play, we lacked speed. It’s something we have to analyze. When we put on the national team jersey, we have to do much better.
“I try to be available when I’m called upon, and they attacked us too much. We won, but we didn’t know the opponent very well. They played like their lives depended on it. We need to have a little more heart.”
Injury fears drive performance
Emiliano Martinez believes than injury fears may have been a contributing factor behind a negative display from the World Cup holders.
They were outmatched by Mauritania in the game. The African team, ranked 115th in the FIFA rankings, finsihed with more shots than their illustrious counterparts.
That saw Martinez called in to action on more than one occasion, particularly in the second half when Mauritania pushed hard. He was left visibly deflated afterwards, calling for the Albiceleste to buck up their ideas.
“In the second half we lacked intensity; we have to do better,” he added.
“It’s true that we hadn’t played together in a long time, and we also rotated the team a bit. Yesterday we lost Panichelli to a cruciate ligament injury; it hurt us a lot.
“Perhaps today we played with a little less intensity due to fear of injury, but when we put on the national team jersey, we have to do much better.”
🗣️ La dura autocrítica de Dibu Martínez por el rendimiento de #Argentina en el triunfo ante #Mauritania: “FUE UNO DE LOS PARTIDOS QUE PEOR JUGAMOS.HAY QUE TENER UN POQUITO MÁS DE CORAZÓN. ¿LA FINALISSIMA? MENOS MAL QUE NO SE JUGÓ. SI JUGÁBAMOS ASÍ, PERDÍAMOS”. pic.twitter.com/8XLVys96zC
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) March 28, 2026