In the final of the World Cup in Qatar, Argentina beat France on penalties to win the title. In this crucial match, goalkeeper Damien Martinez saved 12 penalties from the French team and became a key figure in the Pampas Eagles' victory. Martinez, a goalkeeper from a poor background, went from poverty to the door of the national team thanks to the support of his family.
Martinez's childhood was full of hardships, as he witnessed his father weeping all night over taxes and his mother ensuring that her children were fed rather than starve herself. These images were etched in his mind. Martinez was later picked up by Arsenal and joined the North London youth team. However, it wasn't all plain sailing for him, and like many young players, he was loaned out to clubs such as Kitafi and Reading.
As the saying goes, "Opportunity comes to those who are prepared", Martinez didn't let up on his training when the new 2020 crown epidemic swept the world. After the season resumed, he seized the opportunity of the injury of the main goalkeeper Bentenu, and performed well, and made many successful saves in the English FA Cup to help Arsenal win the title. After the match, he spoke to his family on the pitch and exclaimed, "I hope my family and fans will come to see me win the title at Wembley because I grew up in poverty and it would be something special if they saw me win the title in front of the fans."
Martinez's magical run didn't end there. In the quarterfinals of the Copa America last year, he saved three penalties in the penalty shootout to help Argentina win the title. This year in Qatar, he again showed his heroism, helping his country win the World Cup and winning the Golden Gloves award. Martinez's hand not only saved his career, but also changed the fate of the national team.
