Argentina's Emiliano Martinez is likely to become the first former Reading player to appear in a World Cup final after their 3-0 win over Croatia.

Due to take place on Sunday evening, the South Americans will face either France or Morocco in the showpiece ocassion.

Starting every match of the tournament, Martinez has cemented his position as one of the world's top goalkeepers.

A product of the Arsenal Academy, making his debut in the infamous 7-5 win over Reading in the League Cup over a decade ago.

Struggling to get game time at the Emriates, he had six loan spells.

The most productive of these temporary switches was to RG2, playing 18 times in 2019 as Jose Gomes dragged the side away from relegation danger.

A fan favourite at the SCL Stadium, supporters were signing 'We want you to stay' after a clean sheet in his final match, a 0-0 draw with Birmingham City.

The 30-year-old went on to play over 20 times for Arsenal the following season, winning the FA Cup, before becoming Aston Villa's number one that summer.

Reading had three World Cup representatives, with Junior Hoilett and Baba Rahman returning after the group stages,  and Mamadou Loum staying for one more round as England knocked Senegal out in the Last 16 stage.