It was all getting a bit heated last night as Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martínez took part in an incredible post-match interview after his penalty-saving heroics led his side to the semi-finals of the World Cup.
The 28-year-old Aston Villa keeper saved two decisive penalties in the shootout as Argentina finally saw past the Netherlands in a drama-heavy match. However, Martínez was in no mood to chat about the match itself, rather using his interview to blast the Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz and Dutch manager Louis van Gaal.
🗣️ "Hopefully we don't have that ref anymore... He's useless! Van Gaal said they have an advantage if it goes to penalties, he needs to keep his mouth shut."
👀 @emimartinezz1 didn't hold back in his post-match interview!
🎤 @aarransummers#FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022 #ARG pic.twitter.com/kkqJx2JxSL— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) December 9, 2022
SEE MORE: Lionel Messi Clashed With Louis Van Gaal On The Sideline & In The Tunnel After Argentina Win
Referee Criticism
Martinez gave his version of how the Dutch clawed their way back into the game, and it included fulsome criticism of the referee.
"Basically we controlled the game," said the Villa player. "The ref was just giving everything for them. All of a sudden, they get a good header, a good flick, which I couldn't see.
"Then it just turned upside down. The ref was giving everything for them. He gave 10 minutes [of added time], for no reason, 10 minutes.
"He was giving free kicks outside the box for them, like two or three times. He just wanted them to score, that's basically it, so hopefully we don't have that ref anymore. He's useless."
Lahoz gave out 16 yellow cards in total throughout the fiery 120 minutes, including a red card for Netherlands right back Denzel Dumfries. At least one Argentina coach was also given a yellow.
Van Gaal Comments
Martínez also fired some shots at the Dutch manager during his interview.
"I heard van Gaal saying, 'we've got an advantage in penalties. If we go to penalties, we win.' I think he needs to keep his mouth shut."
The comments follow up heated exchanges between the Dutch manager and Lionel Messi after match. Van Gaal had been criticising Messi before the game and the PSG man seemed to take it very much to heart, calling him an idiot in the tunnel afterwards.
Moments before that interview, Martinez had some kind words for the Dutch bench.
"I fuck you twice" " puto de mierda" dijo y me enamoró pic.twitter.com/leRmcwFg1o
— Ana ×͜×🦋 (@_anitttaa_) December 9, 2022
Argentina will play Croatia in the semi-final on Tuesday in the Lusail Stadium. If it's anything like last night's affair, then we're in for some more fireworks from this fiery Argentina team.
SEE ALSO: Alternate Angle Shows Extent Of Dutch Sh*thousing Between Penalties v Argentina
