Chelsea and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has confidently stated that his national team would beat Spain if the 2022 World Cup final were replayed today. The 34-year-old shot-stopper, currently sidelined with a fractured jaw, acknowledged Spain's strength but remained convinced of the hypothetical outcome. Spain enters this verbal exchange in impeccable form, with four wins in their last four matches, the most recent a 1-2 victory over Croatia on October 6.

La Roja defeated Argentina in extra time of that final in Qatar with a solitary goal from Ferran Torres. Martínez, however, holds a firm belief. "I knew the players of the Spanish national football team were very good, but I don't know, I felt and feel currently that we beat them if we play now," the goalkeeper said.

Spain's Current Context

The keeper's comments come at a time of excellent form for the Spanish national team. Luis de la Fuente is leading an unstoppable side that has won four consecutive matches. The most recent was a 1-2 victory over Croatia on October 6, featuring a brace from Mikel Merino. Prior to that, Spain beat the Czech Republic (3-1), defeated Croatia again (4-1), and secured an epic win at Wembley against England (2-3). This flawless record of four wins and zero draws or defeats solidifies a four-game winning run.

This run of results leaves the team in high spirits ahead of their next fixture, an away match against the Czech Republic on November 12. Forward Mikel Oyarzabal, with five goals in eight appearances, is the top scorer during this positive spell and of the season so far.

Respect for the Champion

In his remarks, Martínez also compared the final against Spain to the one Argentina played and won against France in 2022. "France 2022 gave me more respect. They had been world champions back then, and had a much better age and more experience in the final." he explained. With these words, the Argentine goalkeeper clarified that, despite Spain's quality, he did not feel the same level of intimidation as he did facing the then-reigning champions.

The goalkeeper is currently recovering after surgery for the jaw fracture he sustained during Chelsea's 2-0 win over Everton. His rehabilitation is progressing as planned, though he has no concrete return date.

The Spanish national team, meanwhile, is fully focused on preparing for the clash with the Czech Republic, another test in their flawless run of form. The team approaches this fixture on November 12 with the confidence of a four-game winning streak, where Merino scored twice in the last match against Croatia and also netted in the 3-1 win over the Czech Republic in early October.

The original report is at sports.yahoo.com