After a 1-1 draw in normal time, Argentina defeated Ecuador 4-2 on penalties on Thursday to go to the Copa America semifinals. Goalie Emi Martinez made two saves in the shootout.
With no additional time during the Copa America aside from the championship game, Lisandro Martinez’s opening goal for Argentina was nullified by Kevin Rodriguez in stoppage time, sending the game directly to penalties.
Argentina’s first attempt in the shootout, a crossbar from Lionel Messi, was prevented by Martinez from Angel Mena and Alan Minda, sending the reigning champions into a semifinal matchup against either Venezuela or Canada.
Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni stated, “The team has blind confidence in its goalkeeper and that is fundamental” while discussing penalties. “Our goalie came through big, especially considering the implications of Leo’s mistake for the squad.
“I don’t think enjoying a victory like this is fun. We are thrilled, of course, but this triumph wasn’t enjoyable for me.”
Despite being doubtful for the game because of an injury, Messi began it. The Argentina captain surpassed the record for most minutes played in the history of the tournament after missing their final group encounter against Peru because of a hamstring problem.
Ecuador produced the first opportunity when Jeremy Sarmiento got room to shoot from a tight angle and forced Martinez into a stop, despite Argentina controlling possession for the most of the game.
However, in the 35th minute, when Argentina’s supporters began to speak up, the squad seized the lead when Martinez, a defender, knocked in his first goal for his country, after Alexis Mac Allister’s headed flick-on reached him at the far post.
In the second half, Ecuador increased their pressure, and it paid off when Rodrigo De Paul’s hand diverted a cross into the area and the referee signaled to the spot right away.
Captain Enner Valencia took a shot and sent Martinez the wrong way, but the top scorer for Ecuador saw his effort hit the post and then Argentina’s Cristian Romero stopped a rebound.
Ecuador’s hopes were dashed when Martinez lifted his arms in the air and shouted in pleasure at the assembled audience.
“He’s the captain, and he felt secure enough to take the penalty, but he missed. Felix Sanchez, the coach of Ecuador, stated, “That happens in football.”
He was able to have an impact in several other aspects of the game as well. We are very grateful that he took the risk. Today’s lottery didn’t go through. Perhaps it will the next time.”
However, Ecuador—who had never defeated Argentina in the Copa America—scored the equalizer in the 91st minute when John Yeboah curled in a cross and Rodriguez, remaining onside, headed the ball past Martinez.
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