Emiliano Martinez, the Argentine national team goalkeeper, expressed his dissatisfaction despite his team’s friendly victory over Mauritania, 2-1, in the match that was held at “La Bombonera” stadium.
Speaking to the Argentine channel TNT, Martinez said: “We played well in the first half even though a long time had passed since the last match, but in the second half we lacked enthusiasm and commitment.”
He added: “When we wear the national team shirt, we have to perform much better.”
In other statements to the Argentine channel “TyC”, the “Tango” goalkeeper commented, saying: “The confrontation with Mauritania was one of our worst matches. We need to show more fighting spirit. Thank God that the Viñalissima match against Spain was not played, because if we had played this way, we would have lost.”
He continued: “Before the World Cup, we do not know whether we are among the top 10 teams in the world to compete for the title.”
He concluded his speech by saying: “Joaquin Pancelli’s injury affected us a lot, and perhaps we played with less enthusiasm for fear of injury, but when we wear the national team jersey, we have to perform much better.”
It is noteworthy that this match is considered the first in history between the two teams, after the cancellation of the matches between Qatar and Spain against Argentina due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The match witnessed a kind gesture from the players before its start, as they presented a message of support to Juan Foyth and Juan Pancelli, after they suffered two injuries that will prevent them from participating in the 2026 World Cup.
During the second half, Mauritania players missed many opportunities, as they shot 8 times at Martinez’s goal, compared to only one attempt for Argentina, which was via Messi.
The Mauritania national team also received special encouragement from the Argentine fans after the end of the match.
The Argentine national team is scheduled to play a new friendly match against Zambia next Tuesday at the same stadium, at the end of its preparations during the current month of March.
