Argentina scraped through to the semi-finals of the 2024 Copa America with a 4-2 penalty shoot-out triumph against Ecuador at NRG stadium in Texas.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez scored in the 35th minute to put the world champions ahead , Enner Valencia missed a 62nd-minute penalty for Ecuador before Jose Rodriguez equalized in injury time.
Per the tournament’s format, extra time will only be played in the final match if the score is tied in 90 minutes.
The Argentina vs Ecuador game ended 1-1 in 90 minutes and went straight to penalties as Lionel Messi missed the opening kick, chipping against the bar.
However, Messi’s blushes were saved by the huge Emiliano Martinez who made two successive saves. Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nicolas Otamendi successfully converted their attempts as Argentina won 4-2 to qualify.
In the end, Emiliano Martinez was the hero for Argentina as he was in the final match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup where La Albiceleste lifted their third title. Martinez superbly denied Randal Kolo Muani in the 123rd minute, with just 15 seconds to close the game.
That contest went to penalties after 3-3 after extra time with the Aston Villa number 1 saved Kingsley Coman’s attempt and saw Aurelien Tchouameni’s kick wide of his goal as Argentina lifted the title with a 4-2 shoot-out triumph.
Lionel Scaloni’s side will face the winner of the Venezuela vs Canada quarter-final match for their semi-final meeting.
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