Argentina managed to get past Ecuador via penalties in the Copa America 2024 quarter-finals. Lisandro Martinez gave La Albiceleste the lead in the 35th minute before Kevin Rodriguez scored in the injury time (90+1′) to restore parity.
The game headed to penalties where Lionel Messi, Angel Mina, and Alan Minda missed. All the other players converted their shots, meaning La Albiceleste won 4-2 in the tie-breaker. They march on to the semi-finals of the competition.
Argentina vs Ecuador Highlights
Save (7′): Moises Caicedo’s effort goes straight to Emi Martinez, who makes a comfortable save.
Save (15′): Sarmiento’s effort is well-saved by Emi Martinez. Perez tries to capitalize on the rebound but fails to keep his shot on target.
Goal (35′): Alexis Mac Allister flicks Messi’s corner and Lisandro Martinez turns the ball in on the back post to give Argentina the lead.
Penalty Miss (62′): Enner Valencia misses from the spot despite sending Martinez the wrong way. His effort hits the post.
Goal (90+1′): Rodriguez restores parity for Ecuador as he meets an excellent cross from Yeboah.
Penalties- Lionel Messi’s shot clipped the bar and Emi Martinez denied Mena. Julian Alvarez scored before Martinez denied Minda next. Mac Allister, Yeboah, Montiel, Jordy Caicedo, and Otamendi scored for both teams with Argentina securing a 4-2 win in the penalties.
Player of the Match
Emi Martinez wins the Player of the Match after yet another spectacular display. Martinez saved two crucial penalties in the tie-breaker to hand his team a morale boost after Messi had missed.
Conclusion:
Argentina marched on to the semi-finals of the Copa America and will play the winner of Venezuela vs Canada. Lionel Messi hasn’t shown his best form in the tournament yet. Despite that, Argentina has kept their journey alive and has reached the crucial stage of the competition.
Also Read: Argentina make it into the Copa America semifinal owing to Emi Martinez’s top performance