A recent announcement by FIFA has sent shockwaves through the soccer community, as the global governing body unveils plans to introduce the “Anti-Emi Martinez Rule” in the 2023/24 season. This intriguing development aims to reshape penalty shootouts by curbing the unique antics of the enigmatic Argentine shot-stopper, Emiliano Martinez.
FIFA’s forthcoming rule change is set to redefine the dynamics of penalty shootouts. Goalkeepers will be prohibited from engaging in verbal exchanges with penalty takers, touching the net or posts, or stepping off their line before the shot is taken. While some may view it as a clampdown on uniqueness, others see it as a means to preserve the sanctity of penalty shootouts.
🚨💣 There is now the ‘anti Dibu Martinez’ rule in football which will be applied to GK’s.
The GK is not allowed to provoke the penalty taker, he is not allowed to delay the execution of the penalty or touch the posts, crossbar or goal net. @marca #rmalive pic.twitter.com/Kfquq2s19y
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) July 3, 2023
However Emiliano Martinez’s reaction to the impending “Anti-Emi Martinez Rule” reflects his unflinching character. He stated, “The anti Emi Martínez rule by FIFA? I loved it. They always look for an excuse for the kicker to score a goal, but I don’t care, we are already champions of everything. They are late.”
Emi Martínez: “The anti Emi Martínez rule by FIFA? I loved it. They always look for an excuse for the kicker to score a goal, but I don’t care, we are already champions of everything. They are late.” @UrbanaPlayFM 🐐🔥 pic.twitter.com/pO5c8z7GGe
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) August 4, 2023
One of the standout features of Aston Villa’s Martinez is his unconventional ability to engage in trash talk with opponents before crucial penalties. The mind games he employs have often set the stage for dramatic moments in penalty shootouts.
How did the antics of Emi Martinez prove beneficial for Argentina’s success?
The 2022 World Cup holds a significant place in soccer history, not just due to Argentina’s triumph, but also for the memorable actions of Martinez.
In the highly anticipated penalty shootout during the final against France, Emi Martinez employed his own unique tactics, showcasing them prominently. Prior to France’s third penalty taken by Tchouameni, Martinez ingeniously delayed the kick, playfully tossed away the ball, and even managed to elicit a smile from the referee before Tchouameni’s missed shot.
Emi Martinez is an elite shithouser. He threw the ball away so Tchouameni had to go fetch it which got him all mad, frustrated and drained of composure. He missed his penalty. pic.twitter.com/tkL6qbRbkS
— Le Samouraï (@Nerdotect) December 19, 2022
This strategic move, however, was not an isolated incident. Earlier during Argentina’s quarter-final clash with the Netherlands, Martinez’s mind games came to the forefront. As the match extended into extra time after an intense 120-minute battle, Martinez resorted to psychological tactics to shift the tide.
🇦🇷 Emi Martinez on his penalty antics…
🗣 “It’s not even trash talk. I create chaos”
This is a brilliant watch! 👇
📹 @premierleague pic.twitter.com/fMhfPgSAgB
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) April 26, 2023
With the momentum seemingly favoring the Dutch after their last-minute equalizer through substitute Wout Weghorst, Martinez took a firm stand. During the penalty shootout, when faced with five Dutch spot kicks, the Argentine goalkeeper engaged in mind games with three different takers.
His actions were as varied as they were intriguing. He intentionally dropped the ball before passing it to Steven Berghuis, kicked it to the side while holding Teun Koopmeiners’ gaze, and even sent the ball into the center circle as Luuk de Jong approached the 18-yard box.
While Koopmeiners and Luuk de Jong successfully converted their spot kicks, Martinez’s calculated tactics bore fruit. Berghuis and Van Dijk’s misses ultimately led to Argentina’s 4-3 victory.