Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez delivered another dazzling performance for Argentina during their World Cup quarter-final win over Switzerland.
The reigning world champions have had it tough during the knockout stages. They had to dig deep to secure 3-2 wins over Cape Verde and Egypt in the round of 32 and round of 16.
Against Switzerland, it was a similarly tricky contest. Switzerland had Breel Embolo sent off at 1-1 in the 71st minute, but Argentina did not take the lead until Julian Alvarez’s sublime strike in the 112th minute.
Lautaro Martinez put the gloss on the performance with a third, deep into stoppage time. Argentina will now face England for a berth in the World Cup final on July 19.
Popular Argentine outlet TyC Sports published their player ratings after the game, and United centre-back Martinez was handed a 6/10 for his ‘trouble-free’ performance.
They wrote: “He was again trouble-free in anticipation, and equally smooth in his vertical passing. In one-on-one situations and in the occasional aerial duel, he lost more than he won.
“But what grit this lad has, how he’s gaining confidence (even more than he already has) as the minutes tick by. Switzerland made things difficult for him, but he came out on top.”
Martinez has been a revelation for his country at the World Cup. He was once again brilliant against Switzerland. He completed 65 passes and 100 percent of his dribbles (3/3).
The centre-back won an impressive nine out of 12 duels contested on the night. The 28-year-old could have scored as well but had a brilliant acrobatic kick saved off the line.
Martinez has hit his best form for the reigning World Cup holders, but his biggest test thus far could come against the Three Lions at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday.
England have likewise been unconvincing in the knockout phase of the tournament, but have been aided by the individual brilliance of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham has scored back-to-back braces at the World Cup, and he could be a difference-maker for the Three Lions, just like Lionel Messi for the reigning champions.
Stats from Sofascore