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. Surprisingly, Lionel Messi, usually reliable from the spot, hit the crossbar with his penalty. Despite this setback, Nicolás Otamendi stepped up to score the winning kick, 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. Alexis Mac Allister stood out for Argentina, contributing both in attack and defense. However, some sources noted that Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, struggled with tactical adjustments during the match.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. After the match, a relieved Emiliano Martínez expressed his determination, stating, ‘I wasn’t ready to go home’.
Key points
- Argentina won 4-2 in a penalty shootout against Ecuador after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
- Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez saved two penalties, proving crucial for Argentina’s victory.
- Lionel Messi missed his penalty, but Argentina still managed to secure the win.
- Argentina will face either Venezuela or Canada in the semifinals on July 9.
Contradictions👾There are minor discrepancies in the reporting of goal scorers and exact timings.
Some sources attribute Argentina’s goal to Liisandro Martínez, while others credit Lisandro Martínez.
The timing of Ecuador’s equalizer is reported as both the 90th minute and the 92nd minute.
