Argentina secured a spot in the Copa América semifinals after a nail-biting victory over Ecuador, winning 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regular time. The match, held at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, saw Argentina take the lead in the 35th minute through Lisandro Martínez. However, Ecuador’s Kevin Rodríguez dramatically equalized in stoppage time, forcing the game into penalties.In the shootout, Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez emerged as the hero, saving Ecuador’s first two attempts. This remarkable performance adds to Martínez’s impressive record, having now saved 8 out of 18 penalties in four penalty shootouts with the Argentine national team. Surprisingly, Lionel Messi, usually reliable from the spot, hit the crossbar with his penalty attempt. Despite this setback, Julián Álvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nicolás Otamendi successfully converted their penalties, securing Argentina’s passage to the next round.The match was characterized by intense play from both sides, with Ecuador creating several scoring opportunities that tested Argentina’s defense. Notably, Ecuador’s Enner Valencia missed a penalty in the 62nd minute, which could have changed the course of the game. After the match, a relieved Emiliano Martínez expressed his determination, stating, ‘I told the guys I’m not ready to go home yet’.With this victory, Argentina will now face either Venezuela or Canada in the semifinals, scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, at the Metlife Stadium in New Jersey. Despite the win, some sources noted that Argentina’s performance was inconsistent, with periods of struggle and confusion. The team will need to address these issues as they progress in the tournament, especially considering Messi’s reported physical condition, described as only ‘50% of his best’.
Key points
- Argentina advanced to the Copa América semifinals after a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Ecuador.
- Goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez was the hero, saving two penalties and maintaining an impressive record in shootouts.
- Lionel Messi missed his penalty, but Argentina’s other players secured the victory.
- Argentina will face either Venezuela or Canada in the semifinals on Tuesday, July 9.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported timing of Ecuador’s equalizing goal, with some sources stating it was in the 90th minute, while others mention the 90+1′ minute or simply ‘stoppage time’.
