Emiliano Martinez's crucial penalty saves led Argentina to a 4-2 shootout victory over Ecuador, advancing them to the Copa America semi-finals. Despite Messi missing a penalty, Martinez's heroics ensured Argentina's progression, maintaining his perfect shootout record. Argentina will face the winner of Venezuela vs. Canada on July 10.
Emiliano Martinez once again proved his worth as Argentina's hero, leading his team to a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Ecuador in the Copa America 2024 quarter-final. After a goalless group stage performance, Argentina found themselves under early pressure with Ecuador testing their defense in the 15th minute.
Lionel Scaloni’s squad gradually gained control and struck first in the 35th minute. A well-placed corner from Lionel Messi was flicked on by Alexis Mac Allister, allowing Lisandro Martinez to head in his first international goal, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead at halftime.
The match took a thrilling turn in injury time when Kevin Rodriguez found the net for Ecuador, forcing the game into a penalty shootout. Despite Messi's miss on the first attempt, crashing his shot off the crossbar, Emiliano Martinez stepped up to save Ecuador's first two penalties, demonstrating his shootout prowess.
Argentina's confidence grew as they converted their remaining penalties, with Nicolas Otamendi sealing the victory with the winning kick, propelling the defending champions into the semi-finals. Martinez’s crucial saves ensured Argentina’s advancement, maintaining his impressive record of winning all four shootouts he has participated in with Argentina, with opponents converting only 9 out of 18 attempts against him.
Argentina now awaits the winner of the Venezuela vs. Canada match in the semi-finals on July 10.
