Argentina tied in stoppage time, but Martinez scored two penalties to ensure their advancement to the semi-finals

Argentina tied Ecuador 1-1 in the first Copa America quarter-final match at the NRG Stadium in Houston. Lisandro Martínez opened the scoring for Albiceleste in the first half, but Kevin Rodriguez equalized in the second half. In the penalty shootout, Aimi Martínez scored two penalties to ensure Argentina’s advancement to the next stage.

The first period between Argentina and Ecuador was a very competitive match. Ecuador started better and managed to get into more offensive areas in the first twenty minutes of the game through transitions, wing attacks and long passes. In his most dangerous play, Sarmiento stopped “Dibu” Martinez. After that, the current world champion Enzo Fernandez responded with the arrival of one of them, and Lisandro Martinez scored a goal from a corner kick. After Messi’s corner kick, Mike Allister blocked the first ball and defender Lisandro Martinez opened the scoring. After that, the game gradually cooled down and something happened in the game.

During the match, Ecuador had more possession but created few real scoring chances, with the most dangerous goal, a penalty by the Tricolore team, missed by Valencia hitting the post. Even so, the Ecuadorians did not give up and attacked, and even after a cross in stoppage time, Kevin Rodriguez kept the score on the scoreboard. The current world champions played poorly and created few chances.

Lionel Messi wasted the Albiceleste’s first shot from the penalty spot, but goalkeeper Dib Martínez then caught shots from Ángel Mena and Minda to secure Argentina’s place in the Copa America semi-finals.

first

Argentina had the ball early in the first half but were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Ecuador, in turn, pressed and explored transitional tactics, attacking from the sidelines and long balls, but in the first 20 minutes, Ecuador forced Emiliano “Dibo” Martinez to intervene twice, the first of which came just six minutes after the goalkeeper left the game, after the defender intercepted a Moises Caicedo pass. A few minutes later, the goalkeeper made his first save of the game. Jeremy Sarmiento received Caicedo’s pass, unleashed the defense and hit Dibo’s foot. Then, Gem Kendry Pace shot the ball high.

As time went on, the Albiceleste progressed in the game and created chances, with Enzo Fernandez heading wide for his first goal. A few minutes later, a shot from the Chelsea midfielder was blocked, and it was from there that the goal was scored from a corner kick. At 34, Messi took a corner kick, which Mike Alister blocked at the first post, and Lisandro Martinez on the other side shot the ball into the back of the goal. 1-0 Argentina.

After conceding the goal, the current world champions were scared. Nicolás González disarmed Pacho and the ball went to De Paul, who played to Enzo Fernandez, who knocked the ball down. Meanwhile, the Tricolore failed to scare the Albiceleste goal.

In the first period, Uruguayan referee Andres Matonte awarded only two minutes of extra time. The extra time was not measured by kicks, but by the care given to Mac Allister, who received a ball in his stomach and needed care. At 47 minutes in the final period, the game was over.

the second time

The second half began with a shortened and controversial match, with multiple fouls. At nine, the first thing that scared us was Argentina. Dib pushed out Lautaro behind the defense, who dominated, spun, but hit the ball out. Ecuador responded then, missing a great chance. After Moises Caicedo’s corner kick, Alan Franco took a deflection and the ball hit De Paul’s arm. After the kick-off, Enner Valencia pushed Martinez away and shot for the left corner, but hit the post. On the rebound, Hincapie hit, but the referee awarded the ball because the defender invaded the penalty.

At 22, Messi almost expanded. De Paul found the number 10 in the penalty area, he cleared Felix Torres and passed it to the defense of Alexandre “Dida” Dominguez. After that, the Tricolore tried to rush forward but failed to scare the Albiceleste goal. In its most dangerous arrival, Enel Valencia received the ball in the penalty area but was stopped by the Argentine defender at the end.

In the final stages of the match, Ecuador tried everything it could but could not threaten Dib Martínez’s goal. Jordy Caicedo, 44, missed a golden opportunity. After kicking forward, the attacker retained the ball but hesitated and kicked it out.

The second half was chaotic and exciting, with Andres Matonte initially awarding five minutes of extra time. At 45, the Tricolore equalized. Yeboah crossed into the penalty area, Kevin Rodriguez headed the ball before Otamendi, and the ball eventually flew into the back of the goal. After four minutes of VAR review, the goal was confirmed. 1-1.

As a result, the game lasted a few more minutes, and the score was tied at 51-51, but Ecuador missed a golden opportunity. Minda moved to the left and entered the area. A minute later, Matonte ended the game and the first semi-final of the 2024 Copa America went to penalties.

Penalty Shootout

The shootout began, with both penalties wasted. Messi shoveled the Albiceleste’s first shot, but it hit the crossbar and bounced out. Jordy Caicedo headed the ball but it was saved. In the first attempt for the Tricolore, Dib Martínez stopped Angel Mena. Then, in the second attempt, Julian Alvarez gave Argentina the lead, and Emi saved Minda’s penalty.

The third round of penalty shootouts opened with Mike Allister extending Argentina’s advantage, and Yeboa’s goal gave Ecuador hope. In the fourth and penultimate round, Montiel replaced Albiceleste, and Jordi Caicedo kept Ecuador’s hopes alive in the game. However, Otamendi’s excellent shot at the end helped Argentina advance to the 2024 Copa America semi-finals for the first time.

Semi-finals Agenda

In the semifinals, Argentina will face the winner of Venezuela and Canada at 10 pm (Brasilia time) this Friday at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The next stage will be played at 9 pm (Brasilia time) next Tuesday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.