94% passing accuracy, 7 ground duels won: United man helps nation storm into the World Cup quarter final

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez continued his golden run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by helping his nation secure a dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt in the Round of 16. The Argentine retained his place in Lionel Scaloni’s starting XI following a masterclass against Cabo Verde in the Round of 32. Martinez set up Lionel Messi to score the opening goal of the game, and then found the back of the net in the first half of extra time in the 3-2 win over the Blue Sharks. The Butcher has been outstanding at the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, carrying his impressive form with United to the summer’s spectacle. Martinez starred in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria in the first group stage game, and also stood out in the 2-0 win over Austria in the group stages. While the United man maintained his position at the heart of the backline alongside Cristian Romero, Scaloni made three changes to the starting XI for Tuesday’s game. Nicolas Tagliafico replaced Facundo Medina at left-back, while Leandro Paredes and Julian Alvarez were drafted in for Thiago Almada and Lautaro Martinez. Scaloni was determined to avoid an upset following the untimely exits of Portugal and Brazil from the Round of 16. Argentina had to dig deep to secure win Argentina arrived at the game as the overwhelming favourites but were stunned when Egypt took the lead through Yasser Ibrahim in the 15th minute. The reigning world champions rallied but failed to break Hossam Hassan’s resolute side. Egypt dealt with everything that La Albiceleste threw at them and appeared to have doubled their lead in the 60th minute through Mostafa Ziko. However, the goal was ruled out due to a foul on Lisandro Martinez in the build-up. Ziko, though, put the ball in the back of the net in the 67th minute, sending Egypt to the brink of securing a place in the quarter final. However, Argentina rallied through Messi, who set up Romero in the 79th minute and scored himself four minutes later. Enzo Fernandes then secured the winner in the third minute of second-half injury time to help La Albiceleste register a memorable comeback victory. United man continues golden world cup run Martinez had another assured outing with his national team, adding to his impressive run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Butcher had 76 touches of the ball and completed 51 of his 54 attempted passes for a 94% passing accuracy. The Argentine registered three long balls, two of which found their targets. However, both of his crosses failed to reach a team-mate. The 28 year old managed seven clearances and two interceptions, and also won two tackles. Martinez won seven of his nine ground duels and one of his two aerial duels. He had one shot, which was off target, and also registered one successful dribble. Imported from Manual Input MetricValue Shots on Target0 Expected Goals (xG)0.02 Shots off Target1 Shots Blocked0 Dribbles (Successful)1 (1) Clearances13 Blocked Shots (Def.)7 Interceptions0 Tackles (Won)2 Dribbled Past4 Touches76 Accurate Passes51/54 Pass %94% Key Passes0 Crosses (Acc.)2 (0) Long Balls (Acc.)3 (2) Duels (Won)11 (8) Ground Duels (Won)9 (7) Aerial Duels (Won)2 (1) Possession Lost6 Fouls2 Was Fouled2 Source: Sofascore. Final Thoughts United need leaders in the dressing room following Casemiro’s departure, so Martinez’s experience at the World Cup could prove invaluable to the club next season. Fans, though, will hope that the Argentine can return to Old Trafford free from injury in preparation for a vital campaign. Lisandro Martinez’s game by numbers vs. Egypt: 94% pass accuracy 76 touches 23 carries 11 passes into the final third 9 ground duels contested 7 ground duels won4 tackles attempted 4 tackles won2 fouls won Having a top tournament. 🔝 pic.twitter.com/OQrHBp34M6 — Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 7, 2026 Featured image by Michael Steele/Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.