Argentina beat Ecuador 4-2 on penalties to maneuver into the semi-finals of the Copa América on Thursday after goalkeeper Emi Martinez made two saves within the shootout following a 1-1 attract regulation time.
The match went to penalties after Lisandro Martínez’s opener for Argentina was cancelled out by Kevin Rodríguez in stoppage time. There is no such thing as a additional time in Copa América knockout video games aside from the ultimate.
Within the shootout, Lionel Messi clipped the crossbar with Argentina’s first effort, however Martinez saved from Ángel Mena and Alan Minda because the defending champions moved right into a semifinal match-up in opposition to both Venezuela or Canada.
Messi began the sport regardless of being an damage doubt after lacking their last group match in opposition to Peru resulting from a hamstring difficulty, and the Argentina captain broke the file for many minutes performed within the match’s historical past.
Argentina dominated possession early on, however it was Ecuador who created the primary probability when Jeremy Sarmiento discovered area to shoot from a good angle and compelled Martinez right into a save.
However as Argentina’s followers discovered their voice their group took the lead within the thirty fifth minute when Alexis Mac Allister’s headed flick-on discovered Martinez on the far put up and the defender nodded residence his first worldwide aim.
Ecuador turned up the stress within the second half and it paid off at a nook on the hour mark when the cross was deflected onto Rodrigo De Paul’s hand and the referee instantly pointed to the spot.
Skipper Enner Valencia stepped up and despatched Martinez the incorrect manner, however Ecuador’s prime scorer noticed his effort come off the put up earlier than Argentina defender Cristian Romero blocked a shot from the rebound.
Martinez turned to the gang and roared in delight together with his arms raised and the miss took the wind out of Ecuador’s sails.
However as the sport went into stoppage time Ecuador, who’ve by no means crushed Argentina on the Copa América, discovered the equaliser when John Yeboah whipped in a cross and Rodriguez stayed onside to direct a header previous Martinez within the 91st minute.
The Argentina goalkeeper had the final chuckle, nevertheless, making two essential saves within the shootout earlier than Nicolás Otamendi scored the decisive kick to ebook a semi-final spot.