Lisandro Martinez started in Argentina’s dramatic win over Egypt as the world champions advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals.
It was one of the best games at the 2026 World Cup as Argentina overcame a 2-0 deficit in the second half to beat Egypt 3-2.
Lisandro Martinez started for Argentina in a centre-back pairing with Cristian Romero, but they gave up two goals in the first half that both players will feel were avoidable.
Although Martinez’s defending was questionable for Egypt’s two goals in the round of 16 clash, the national press were forgiving and happy with the United defender’s display.
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What Argentine press thought of Lisandro Martinez vs Egypt
It wasn’t one of Martinez’s best performances at the World Cup, but that has not stopped some of the national media outlets from giving him a high rating out of 10.
La Pagina Millonaria brazenly described it as a ‘phenomenal performance’, hailing Martinez for his ball control and claiming he was up to the task defensively, earning a rating of 9/10.
Meanwhile, Clarin gave a more honest assessment of Martinez’s display, with a rating of 5/10. The Argentine outlet acknowledged that Martinez suffered from aerial crosses, unlike in previous matches.
“Unlike previous matches, this time he suffered a lot from aerial crosses and failed to mark on two of Egypt’s goals, one confirmed, the first, and another annulled by VAR.”
TyC Sports also gave Martinez a rating of 5/10, but noted that he showed his experience and fighting spirit in the second half.
“He made a lot of clearances and was also very proactive in getting forward to win the ball and maintain position. Unfortunately, he lost possession badly in the header that led to the Egyptian goal, and he was also poorly positioned.
“In the second half, he showed his experience and fighting spirit and significantly improved his performance.”
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Lisandro Martinez earned a 5/10 rating from two Argentine publications, as well as a 9/10 rating from another media outlet
- The Manchester United defender was at fault for two of Egypt’s goals in the 3-2 win over Argentina
- Argentina secured their place in the World Cup quarter-finals
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Lisandro Martinez stats vs Egypt
Despite having a role to play in both of Egypt’s goals, Martinez made more defensive contributions (13) than any other player on the pitch.
He also touched the ball 76 times throughout the game, with a pass success rate of 94%.
Martinez made a total of four tackles against Egypt as well as seven clearances, four of which were headers.
The Argentine centre-back gave away two fouls, but he was fouled as many times by Egyptian players.
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