Argentina Reach Copa América Semi-Finals in Dramatic Fashion

Emiliano Martínez was at his exceptional best as Argentina secured a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Ecuador, advancing to the semi-finals of the 2024 Copa América. The reigning champions’ goalkeeper made two crucial saves in the shootout, following a 1-1 draw at NRG Stadium in Texas.

Ecuador started strong, with Moisés Caicedo and Jeremy Sarmiento testing Martínez in the opening exchanges. However, Argentina’s defense, which had kept six clean sheets in eight matches leading up to this encounter, held firm. Enzo Fernández led the charge for La Albiceleste, going close with a header and a deflected effort.

#ARGENTINA OTRA VEZ A LOS PLANCHAZOS

▪️El planchazo de tarjeta roja de Cuti Romero que no cobraron nada ni foul, La #CopaAmerica2024 está arreglada para la Argentina, no hay más dudas.

▪️Una joda más del #VAR y la @CONMEBOl #CopaAmérica #ArgentinavsEcuador pic.twitter.com/rEVAO6XDQK

— @ALTOS_NOTICIASpy (@Altosnoticiasp1) July 5, 2024

Lionel Messi’s corner was expertly flicked on by Alexis Mac Allister, allowing Lisandro Martínez to score his first international goal and give Argentina a 1-0 lead before halftime. Ecuador pushed for an equalizer, and their efforts were rewarded with a penalty kick in the second half. Enner Valencia’s effort hit the post, despite sending Martínez the wrong way.

The match remained on a knife edge until the 91st minute, when Kevin Rodríguez headed home to level the score and send the game to a penalty shootout. Argentina’s experience shone through as they smartly managed the contest, but Ecuador’s late equalizer forced a dramatic finale. Martínez saved Ángel Mena’s and Alan Minda’s efforts in the shootout, setting the stage for Nicolás Otamendi’s decisive conversion, which secured Argentina’s spot in the semi-finals.

Nah this save was crazy man, what is this

No Messi fans will skip this without liking ♥️🙏#Messi𓃵 #ArgentinavsEcuador #4thofJuly #Happy4thofJuly #messi #TVKVijay #BelleMariano # pic.twitter.com/YV9RBcMxpg

— Eshita (@Eshita_1) July 5, 2024

Emiliano Martínez’s exceptional goalkeeping was the difference-maker for Argentina. Ecuador pushed Argentina to the limit, but ultimately fell short. Argentina’s big-game experience and smart game management secured their passage to the semi-finals.