As saves in professional football matches go, Emiliano Martinez's versus France in the 2022 World Cup final is up there with the greatest in history.Sure, it wasn't an extravagant piece of athleticism like Gordon Banks on Pele in 1970, but the sheer importance places it right at the top of the pile.In the third minute of stoppage-time in extra-time, Randal Kolo Muani was put through on goal by Ibrahima Konate and looked nailed on to make it 4-3 to France.The Eintracht Frankfurt forward only had Martinez to beat, but the Argentine goalkeeper somehow managed to get a foot on his adversary's powerful half-volleyed shot.It was the snippet of action that paved the way for La Albiceleste's memorable victory on penalties at the Lusail Stadium.Will Martinez ever have a bigger moment in his career? You'd think not.Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher pinpointed the save as the game's turning point on Twitter. He wrote on the social media platform: “This game showed why football is the greatest game of all. This one is an all-time classic. So many twists and turns, but the save from Emi Martinez was the biggest turning point.â€Well said, Jamie.
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Emiliano Martinez of Argentina walks past the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner's Trophy after presented the adidas Golden Glove trophy at the award ceremony following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)The sheer impact of Martinez spreading himself to thwart Kolo Muani is further highlighted by footage of the incident captured by a fan in the stands.In the short video clip, the reaction from those on the France bench is clear for all to see.A number of players who were either substitutes or had been substituted were already on the field of play ready to celebrate, but quickly had to backtrack.Then they had to watch on as Argentina went on the offensive themselves, which culminated in Lautaro Martinez missing a free header from just six yards out...
Video: Fan footage of Martinez's legendary save vs France
The most chaotic end to the most chaotic game of football ever!
Actually, the Martinez save and the miss soon after from his namesake wasn't the end of the drama in extra-time.
That's because the last passage of play saw Kylian Mbappe nearly produce arguably the finest moment ever seen in sport.
The Paris Saint-Germain flyer dribbled into Argentina's box like a man possessed and looked on course to seal victory with his fourth goal of the game.
But a touch from Paulo Dybala eventually brought an end to the move, much to the delight of Argentinians and Lionel Messi fans around the world.
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