World Cup 2022: Watch How Lisandro Martinez Saved Argentina With Superb Defensive Tackle

World Cup 2022: Watch How Lisandro Martinez Saved Argentina With Superb Defensive Tackle

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:19 PM
In this article:
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  • Lisandro Martinez rose to the occasion at the 2022 World Cup, producing a game-saving tackle for Argentina against Australia
  • Australia defender Aziz Behich dribbled impressively, finding himself inside the Argentina box, and also sent the game to extra time
  • Argentina won the game 2-1 thanks to Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez's goals in the first and second half
  • Argentina would've scored more if they were clinical late in the game after a flurry of chances created by the Messi

Manchester United and Argentina star Lisandro Martinez produced a stunning defensive block to preserve Argentina's lead against Australia in the last 16.

After going 2-0 up, Argentina felt the match was done and dusted, but the Socceroos had other plans. They produced a solid display in the second half, and if not for some defensive heroics, things would've been different.

Lisandro Martinez, Emiliano Martinez, Argentina, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez
Lisandro Martinez blocks Behich. Photo by Carl Recine.
Source: Getty Images

Lionel Messi scored a superb opener for La Albiceleste in the 35th minute after a slow start to the game.

Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez doubled the lead for the two-time World Cup winners in the 57th minute after a poor error by Socceroos keeper Matt Ryan.

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Graham Arnold's side received a lifeline in the 77th minute after Craig Goodwin’s powerful shot was deflected into the net by Enzo Fernandez. The goal was a reward for Australia's relentless last half hour.

Lisandro's superb tackle

In the 80th minute, Socceroos' left-back Aziz Behich weaved through Argentina's defence and was destined to score an iconic World Cup goal before the United defender intervened.

The Dundee United defender took the ball and drove toward the Argentine defence with real purpose before bamboozling Nicolas Otamendi, according to Sportbible.

As he was preparing to let fly from inside the six-yard box, Martinez produced a stunning last-ditch tackle to stop what would certainly be a goal.

Garang Kuol had a glorious chance to take Argentina to extra time, but an incredible save from Emiliano Martinez sealed the win for them, according to the Daily Mail.

Messi passes Maradona

Sports Brief earlier reported on Lionel Messi surpassing Deigo Maradona's World Cup goal tally with his superb goal against Australia.

His sublime finish took him one clear of Argentina hero and icon Maradona and just one behind compatriot Gabriel Batistuta.

The effort was also his 94th for Argentina, including nine at the World Cup, with his strike against Australia.

The late Maradona scored in the 1982, 1986, 1990, and 1994 World Cups. His performance at the 1986 World Cup remains one of the best, if not the best. He inspired his country to their second World Cup that year.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.