Gary Neville has delivered a scathing assessment of Lisandro Martinez’s defensive performance during Argentina’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Egypt, despite the Manchester United defender contributing to his team’s remarkable turnaround.
Gary Neville Blasts Lisandro Martinez Despite Argentina’s Dramatic Comeback Win
The defending World Champions found themselves in deep trouble at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium when Egypt stormed into a two-goal lead.
Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring after just 15 minutes, towering above Martinez to power home a header that left the Argentine defence exposed.
Martinez found himself at the centre of the chaos once again when Mostafa Ziko doubled Egypt’s advantage following a devastating counter-attack, with the United star caught out of position during the build-up.
Speaking on ITV, the former Manchester United captain pulled no punches in his analysis of Martinez’s role in Egypt’s opener.
“I’m surprised because he’s usually the best actually. Because of his size, he’s very aware of being body to body and touch tight,” Neville explained.
“He is close, he’s sort of wrestling with Ibrahim and then all of a sudden he just steps off him. I think he might just be thinking about stepping up for offside with the rest in line.
He’s tight, he’s tight and that’s what he does, he’s very good at it, and then he just switches off for a split-second.”
Argentina looked destined for an early exit until Cristian Romero rose highest to meet Lionel Messi’s sensational delivery, halving the deficit and breathing life back into the South American giants.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner then produced a moment of pure brilliance in the 83rd minute, lashing home a stunning half-volley after Egypt failed to clear their lines.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez completed the dramatic turnaround in stoppage time, heading home from Lautaro Martinez’s cross to send Argentina through to the quarter-finals and break Egyptian hearts.
Despite the defensive errors, Neville acknowledged the remarkable fighting spirit Martinez and Romero displayed.
“You watch Romero and Martinez, and they’re the best ‘worst centre-halves’ in the world.
They give goals away constantly. But they don’t care about giving goals away because they’ll score goals at the other end,” Neville concluded.
“They have massive personalities and they keep going. They don’t give in and they fight, and they fight, and they fight.”
