Emiliano Martinez stars as Argentina advance to Copa America 2024 semifinals after penalty shootout victory over Ecuador

Burly Goalkeeper saved two penalties in 4-2 shootout victory.

After concluding the group stage phase as Group A table toppers, defending champions Argentina locked horns with Group B runners-up Ecuador in the first quarterfinal of Copa America 2024 at the NRG Stadium in Houston.

Ecuador started the match brightly, testing Argentina’s defense early with a shot on target saved by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. La Tri amplified the pressure as winger Jeremy Sarmiento failed to capitalize on a decent chance to give his side an early lead.

Almost half an hour into the contest, Argentina registered its first shot as Enzo Fernandez’s header sailed wide. Ecuador’s defense was tactically robust, crowding the spaces where Argentina loved to operate.

However, La Albiceleste’s superior quality eventually yielded a breakthrough. Lionel Messi’s corner kick was headed backwards by Alexis Mac Allister to centre-back Lisandro Martínez, who found the net to give Argentina a 1-0 lead in the 35th minute. Lionel Scaloni’s side ended the first half strongly.

The second half began scrappily, with constant stoppages due to midfield fouls.

An hour into the match, Ecuador was awarded a penalty following a handball by Rodrigo De Paul. However, penalty expert Enner Valencia failed to convert, leaving La Tri dismayed as Argentina survived the scare.

Messi, whose participation was uncertain, registered his first shot of the game, attempting to open his tournament account.

In injury time, Felix Sanchez’s side bagged a last-ditch equalizer through substitute Kevin Rodríguez’s header, leveling the score at 1-1 and forcing a penalty shootout.

After captain Lionel Messi uncharacteristically missed Argentina’s first penalty, 2022 World Cup hero Emiliano Martinez saved two consecutive penalties. Substitute Nicolas Otamendi slotted home the winning penalty as Argentina beat Ecuador 4-2 in the shootout to advance to the 2024 Copa America semifinals.

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