Paulo Dybala has revealed that Emi Martinez gave him decisive advice before scoring a crucial penalty in Argentina’s World Cup final win against France.
La Albiceleste clinched their third title – their first in 36 years – on Sunday following a tense penalty shootout, with all four of Argentina’s takers converting.
Dybala was brought on as a substitute in stoppage time of extra time having missed much of the tournament through injury, and the Roma star opened up on the prospect of preparing for the shootout – with a little help from his goalkeeper.
“When the coach called me to to go on, I knew it was for penalties,” Dybala said. “And so I had to try to be as cool-headed as possible. It is not easy because you don’t play a World Cup final every day.
Watch 90min’s World Cup show on YouTube as Harry Symeou, Scott Saunders, Grizz Khan and special guest Kieron Dyer review Argentina’s epic win over France on penalties. Subscribe to the channel here!
“It took me a long time to walk to the ball. It couldn’t have been longer. I had spoken with Dibu [Martinez]. He had advised me to shoot down the middle after they had missed. They always dive. I was going to go for the side, the goalkeeper dove to that side, but I heard what my colleague said.
“I changed at the last minute. I listened to Dibu because they had made a mistake before me and he told me to go down the middle, shoot there and it was a goal.”
Dybala took Argentina’s second kick in the shootout, immediately following Lionel Messi. Leandro Paredes and Gonzalo Montiel followed up to seal the win.