QATAR: Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said his said suffered to win a “hard-fought” game against France and clinch the World Cup title in Qatar.

“It was a very hard-fought game, we knew it was going to be like that. Thank God we did it. I dreamed a lot about this day,” he said.

Martinez made a crucial save in extra-time to deny France a possible winner and also denied Kingsley Coman from the spot in the shoot-out as Argentina lifted the trophy for a third time.

Asked how he felt during the shoot-out, he said he was “calm” and dedicated the title to his family. “I come from a very humble place. This one goes out to my family,” Martinez said.

Argentina won 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 deadlock from 120 minutes. — dpa