Emi Martinez celebrating for Argentina towards Thomas Tuchel, who is in a circular frame inset
Emi Martinez celebrating for Argentina towards Thomas Tuchel, who is in a circular frame inset
It was a strange experience for the claret and blue faithful as the Three Lions lined up against their number one.
The 33-year-old ultimately got the last laugh as his side went on to secure a late 2-1 win in the semi-final.
Villa's Martinez has now been central to conversation that sums up just how bad England were.
Emi Martinez couldn't impress for Argentina
There was every chance that the keeper would have a telling say in Atlanta.
It wasn't his turn to be busy in the semi-final as Jordan Pickford was forced into four saves on the night.
That resulted in some middling reviews in the Argentine media as there was little to say.
Local outlet 442 could only say "he was tested little", before adding that "he responded well" to England's only chance in the first half.
TYC Sports didn't dismiss that he had no chance to stop Gordon's opener, describing it as a "difficult" moment.
That was all echoed by La Pagina Millonaria, who mooted his "limited involvement" but were impressed by his stop from Reece James.
All this sums up exactly how bad England were as, given Martinez had so little to do, the Argentine media don't really know what to say.
The numbers behind Martinez's performance vs England
The Villa ace has expectably started every game at the World Cup so far and has kept two clean sheets in the process.
He couldn't manage another against England, but wasn't given a chance by Rogers' pinpoint cross.
Martinez can still be pleased with his performance even after he made just one save, which came up against an effort worth 0.02 expected goals.
That didn't allow him to lose concentration as he still completed 17 passes and won 100 per cent of his aerial duel attempts.
The keeper added to that with one clearance and six recoveries to help Argentina to victory.
It was a quiet night for Martinez and he only has Thomas Tuchel to thank.