Erik Lamela posts four-word reaction to Emi Martinez’s latest World Cup performance last night

By Ben Evans

Aston Villa fans would have been very pleased to see goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez progress at the World Cup.

Martinez was unlucky not to keep a clean sheet as Argentina defeated Australia 2-1 in the last-16.

The goalkeeper posted on Instagram to celebrate his side’s progression in Qatar.

The 30-year-old shot stopper has a fantastic record for Argentina, and already has a Copa America winners medal.

It was another Lionel Messi masterclass for Argentina yesterday, as he opened the scoring with a deft finish.

Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez doubled Argentina’s lead and looked to have put the game to bed.

However, a late strike from Craig Goodwin gave the Socceroos a chance to take the game to extra-time.

Goodwin’s effort took a huge deflection off Enzo Fernandez, leaving Martinez wrong-footed and eventually going down as an own-goal.

Martinez was called into action right at the death to send his side through.

New Newcastle signing Garang Kuol found an opening, and Martinez was forced to prevent him from close-range.

Martinez progresses at the World Cup

Martinez took to Instagram after the match to celebrate Argentina’s win last night.

After posted a number of photos, Martinez posted a caption saying, “And now we’re excited again”.

It’s a reference to the song Argentina’s fans have been singing throughout the tournament.

Lautaro Martinez and Rodrigo De Paul were both impressed with the Aston Villa man’s performance.

The former referred to the Argentina flag painted in Martinez’s hair.

Former Spurs winger Erik Lamela loved Martinez’s outing against Australia, saying, ‘You are a machine’.

Martinez didn’t have the best start at the World Cup after Argentina’s shock defeat to Saudi Arabia.

He admitted to see a psychologist before their next match, and has only conceded one goal since.

Although Unai Emery will want his first-choice goalkeeper back safe and sound soon, the confidence boost of a good World Cup run is unmatched.

He’s a vital player to the club and Emery will be relying on him heavily to propel Villa up the table.