Inter vice-president and Argentina legend Javier Zanetti was not surprised Lautaro Martinez converted that decisive World Cup penalty. ‘When he’s needed, he steps up.’
La Seleccion were on the verge of exiting the tournament at the quarter-final stage after the Netherlands grabbed a 2-2 draw in the final seconds of extra time.
However, Lautaro Martinez converted the final penalty in the shoot-out victory, setting up their semi-final against Croatia.
“Without a doubt, Lautaro is a decisive player,” Zanetti told news agency Telam.
“When he’s needed, he steps up. That was the most complicated moment, because it was such an important penalty and so much was riding on it, but he converted because he’s a great player with a strong character.”
Lautaro Martinez had been dropped for the last couple of games in favour of Julian Alvarez after failing to find the net in the World Cup in Qatar.
Perhaps this crucial spot-kick under pressure, including from his Inter teammate Denzel Dumfries among the Dutch players surrounding him on the walk towards the goal, can restore some confidence.