Copa America: Martinez Shines As Argentina Reach Semis
Argentina beat Ecuador 4-2 on penalties to move into the semi-finals of the Copa America on Thursday, after goalkeeper Emi Martinez made two saves in the shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The defending champions dominated possession early on but it was Ecuador who created the first chance when Jeremy Sarmiento found space to shoot from a tight angle and forced Martinez into a save.
But as Argentina’s fans found their voice their team took the lead in the 35th minute when Alexis Mac Allister’s headed flick-on found Lisandro Martinez at the far post and the defender nodded home his first international goal.
Ecuador turned up the pressure in the second half and it paid off at a corner on the hour mark when the cross was deflected onto Rodrigo De Paul’s hand and the referee immediately pointed to the spot.
Skipper Enner Valencia stepped up and sent Martinez the wrong way but Ecuador’s top scorer saw his effort come off the post before Argentina defender Cristian Romero blocked a shot from the rebound.
But as the game went into stoppage time Ecuador, who have never beaten Argentina at the Copa America, found the equaliser when John Yeboah whipped in a cross and Kevin Rodriguez stayed onside to direct a header past Martinez in the 91st minute.
The match then went to penalties as the the scores remained 1-1 after regulation time.
Lionel Messi clipped the crossbar with Argentina’s first effort in the shootout. However, Martinez saved from Angel Mena and Alan Minda as the defending champions moved into a semi-final match-up against either Venezuela or Canada.
El reino del Dibu Martínez pic.twitter.com/z2wYHtxEYq
— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@CopaAmerica) July 5, 2024
“In penalties, the team has blind confidence in its goalkeeper and that is fundamental,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. “Even after Leo’s miss and with all that means for the team, it’s very important that our goalkeeper came up clutch.
“I think it’s not enjoyable when you win in this way. Of course, we are happy, but I didn’t enjoy this victory.”
Argentina survive pic.twitter.com/US79P6UjDW
— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ ENG (@copaamerica_ENG) July 5, 2024
