Psychologist explains how Argentina’s Emi Martinez played mind games during penalty shoot-out against France

Emi Martinez established the tone and grabbed control of the penalty area right away. Hugo Lloris, the captain of France, successfully executed the coin toss while Martinez hurriedly approached the penalty area and awaited Lloris’ arrival as if he were receiving a guest at his own house.

Martinez started a handshake as Lloris arrived. With Mbappé, he followed suit. Martinez’s initial warmth and beauty can cause individuals to let their guard down, making them more susceptible to his later attacks. This ambiguity is a part of his plan to cause damage to the opposition.

View Full Image

Martinez’s interruptions are modest and subdued towards the beginning of the shootout. This is likely being done to get to know the referee and determine where the line is set. Before Mbappe came in, he requested that the referee examine the ball placement. The official graciously accepted and gave a “thumbs up” in response.

View Full Image

Martinez pushed slightly harder with Kingsley Coman, prompting the referee to courteously step in. Once more, he persuaded the referee to look at the ball’s placement and received an obedient reaction. Martinez was now aware that he controlled the penalty area.

View Full Image

Goalkeepers hardly ever prefer a major celebration after saving a penalty. Martinez represents a rarity. According to Jordet, loud and emotional celebrations convey assurance, dominance and supremacy, which is advantageous to teammates and detrimental to rivals. The first save Martinez made was fully utilised.

View Full Image

Martinez was certain of his abilities and limitations when Aurelien Tchouameni was up. He had had it with being understated. He simply walked away with the ball at first, as though it was his own. He took his time with it and waited for the referee and Tchouameni, prompting the Argentinean supporters to roar.

View Full Image

Then, rather than passing the ball to Tchouameni, Martinez threw it away, making the other team go get it. There was no denying the disdain. The official referee imposed no sanctions. Everyone knew who the boss was. Martinez smiled smugly at Tchouameni when he was ready to shoot. Tchouameni missed it.

View Full Image

After that, Paredes went in for Argentina. Martinez was aware that Lloris might stop being polite and start using Martinez’s tricks on the Argentine players. So, without giving Lloris a time to imitate, he immediately snatched the ball and handed it to Paredes himself.

View Full Image

Martinez first appeared to speak and gesture with a staff member on the sidelines about the fourth French penalty taker, Randal Kolo Muani. Then he repeated, “I’ve watched you!” multiple times. The expected yellow card came too late; Martinez already had the upper hand.

View Full Image

Jordet called Emi Martinez’ mind games “big, unpredictable and calculated” as he compared him with the Italian diplomat Nicholas Machiave, who was known for his mind games. As per Jordet, Martinez has inspired others to imitate him and develop strategies to counter him. With this performance on the largest stage in the world, Jordet said he was curious to see how it would evolve going forward.