Goalkeepers being a little unusual is one of the oldest cliches in football with huge personalities pulling on the gloves across the years on the World Cup stage.
Argentina's Emiliano Martinez is no different from his shot-stopping predecessors when it comes to confidence and individuality, each a key feature of his pre-game routine.
His switch to Aston Villa brought him into greater Premier League focus, but it's his status with Argentina that has elevated him to a new level.
In a squad where Lionel Messi dominates every headline, Martinez is vital for La Albiceleste, with Messi himself a huge fan of the 30-year-old.
Neither has looked back since, as he was thrown in the deep end of a World Cup qualifier in June 2021 before nailing down his No.1 spot ahead of the Copa America.
Martinez has developed a reputation for grabbing chances that fall his way, and he endeared himself in the eyes of Argentina fans after his penalty saving antics en route to them winning the trophy last year.
Martinez's nickname 'Dibu' (short for Dibujo) comes from his early days at Independiente.
It refers to his supposed likeness to a character from the Argentine cartoon telenovela Mi familia es un dibujo and he has carried it with him ever since.
The Argentine was calm and very confident in his statements, especially when asked if France is the favorite for tomorrow: “In Brazil the favorites were Brazil and today they say it is France. We like that they give the other a favourite, we have the best (Messi)”. In addition, he did not get into trouble for some controversial statements by Mbappé about the level of South American football against the European. "Maybe Mbappé said that the level in South America is lower than in Europe because he didn't play there. If you don't have the experience, it's difficult to comment, but nothing happens with what he said. They know that it is a world-class team and they respect us for that," he said.
He added: “We have studied where they like to attack. In any case, I am not left alone with that, but with my feeling at the moment. We have little margin for error, a minimal tactical mistake can make you lose”. Regarding what it takes to win against France, he commented: “The need to win can work against you, you have to have a cool head. Play as we have been playing, have control of the game. Knowing that we are only playing one game is the most difficult, but at the same time it is the World Cup final”. Emi MartÃnez also had nice words for Messi: “I see him happy, like all Argentines, I saw a great Leo in the Copa América, one of the best I've seen in my life. In this World Cup I see him better, physically and soccer wise. I see it well and that helps us a lot
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