In a nail-biting quarterfinal clash, Argentina triumphed over Ecuador 4-2 on penalties to secure a place in the semifinals of the Copa America on Thursday. The match ended 1-1 after regulation time, leading to a decisive penalty shootout where goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s heroics proved pivotal.
Argentina started strong, with Lisandro Martinez scoring the opening goal in the 35th minute. Alexis Mac Allister provided a deft header that found Martinez at the far post, allowing the defender to nod home his first international goal. Despite Argentina’s early dominance in possession, Ecuador’s resilience paid off in the dying moments of the match.
Ecuador found the equalizer in stoppage time. A well-timed cross from John Yeboah was met by Kevin Rodriguez, who directed a header past Emi Martinez, leveling the score at 1-1 and forcing a penalty shootout. This dramatic twist showed Ecuador’s determination, as they sought their first-ever Copa America victory over Argentina.
During the shootout, Lionel Messi, despite starting the game with a hamstring issue that had sidelined him in the previous match against Peru, clipped the crossbar with Argentina’s first penalty attempt. However, Emi Martinez stepped up when it mattered most, saving shots from Angel Mena and Alan Minda. These crucial saves allowed Argentina to edge out Ecuador and move into the semifinals, where they will face either Venezuela or Canada.
“In penalties, the team has blind confidence in its goalkeeper and that is fundamental,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni remarked. “Even after Leo’s miss and with all that means for the team, it’s very important that our goalkeeper came up clutch.”
Scaloni also reflected on the nature of the victory: “I think it’s not enjoyable when you win in this way. Of course, we are happy, but I didn’t enjoy this victory.”
Messi’s participation was notable as he broke the record for most minutes played in Copa America history. Despite his injury concerns, the Argentine captain’s presence on the field was a significant morale boost for the team.
Ecuador had their opportunities, especially in the second half. A critical moment came when a corner kick led to a deflected ball hitting Rodrigo De Paul’s hand, resulting in a penalty. Skipper Enner Valencia, confident as ever, stepped up but saw his effort come off the post, a miss that would prove costly.
Felix Sanchez, Ecuador’s coach, defended Valencia’s missed penalty: “He’s the captain and he took the penalty because he was feeling confident enough, but he missed. That happens in football. In many other areas of the game, he was able to contribute… We really appreciate that he took the chance. It’s a lottery today, it didn’t go in. Maybe next time it will.”
As the match reached its climax, Martinez’s saves in the shootout and Nicolas Otamendi’s decisive penalty sealed Argentina’s place in the next round. The defending champions now look forward to their semifinal matchup, their spirits buoyed by a hard-fought victory that tested them and highlighted their strength under pressure.
