Ex Oxford United goalkeeper in World Cup tie with Argentina

Argentina take on Egypt in the 2026 tournament for a place in the quarter finals, with Lionel Messi’s nation the favourites in Atlanta.

The reigning world champions topped their group with three wins out of three against Austria, Algeria and Jordan before scaping past minnows Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in the round of 32.

Meanwhile, the Pharaohs finished second in Group G on goal difference, finishing behind Belgium.

They then beat Australia on penalties after being held to a 1-1 draw in normal time.

Cape Verde’s Deroy Duarte (14) scores their first goal against Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (23) (Image: Marta Lavandier/PA Wire)

The winners of the Round of 16 clash will face either Switzerland or Colombia in the next round – those two nations kick-off at 9pm tonight.

If Argentina are to progress through both Egypt and then the quarter finals, they could face England if the Three Lions beat Norway on Saturday.

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La Albiceleste goalkeeper Martinez is the only Oxford-linked player left in the tournament, with the 33-year-old having played once for the U’s on the final day of the 2011/12 season when recruited on an emergency loan from Premier League giants Arsenal.

World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez in action for Oxford United (Image: Oxford Mail Archive)

Port Vale beat Oxford 3-0 that day which was also Martinez’s English Football League debut.

The now-Aston Villa shot stopper was a teammate of United’s new head coach Aaron Ramsey at the Gunners.

Martinez won the UEFA Europa League last season with the Villans as they finished fourth in the Premier League.