After defeating Croatia, the Albiceleste advanced to the final of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. The performance of the Argentine national team would not be at its best without the talent of its goalkeeper, 'Dibu' Martínez, who shone in the thrilling penalty shootout against the Netherlands, saving two shots.
What few people know is that the goalkeeper spoke with his psychologist before several matches during this World Cup. Find out HERE how psychological treatment has influenced Martínez's work.
The Argentine goalkeeper has been seeing a specialist for years. Photo: Infobae
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"Every player needs a psychologist"
According to the Spanish newspaper El País, Martínez has normalized receiving psychological treatment. In fact, for the past five years, he has been seeing a specialist two or three times before each match.
In September 2021, Martínez stated that "every player needs a psychologist." That's why, in this World Cup, he went to one after the 2-0 victory over Mexico, the defeat against Saudi Arabia, and when the coach of the Netherlands made statements about the rematch against Argentina. What did 'Dibu' tell the psychology professional?
'Dibu' Martínez had sessions with a specialist during this World Cup. Photo: BBC
Argentina vs. Netherlands: What did Martínez tell his psychologist?
Prior to the match, Van Gaal, the Dutch coach, talked about a rematch after losing to the Argentines in the penalty shootout in the 2014 semifinals and how much they were practicing penalty kicks. According to El País, this fired up the Argentinian goalkeeper.
Martínez read those statements a day before. He took screenshots of those words and showed them to his psychologist, telling him, "(Van Gaal) lit the dynamite."
And the rest is history. The goalkeeper saved two shots and kept the dream alive for the Albiceleste.
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Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia: "I suffered a lot"
The aforementioned newspaper also states that the initial defeat against Saudi Arabia plunged Argentina into confusion and Martínez into frustration.
"I especially suffered a lot during those days talking to my psychologist. Having two shots taken and two goals scored is hard to swallow. I could have done better," the goalkeeper revealed afterwards.
But it was these ups and downs that have given strength to the goalkeeper and also to the Argentine team. Will this be the World Cup where Argentina lifts the trophy again?