[ad_1]
The game between Argentina, the reigning champions of the Copa America, and Ecuador (4-2) needed penalties to decide the outcome. Emi Martínez still knows how to impress between the posts. Ecuador has proven itself to be a real opponent, dragging the battle into penalties. But as always, the champions always find a way, and Argentina did the same tonight.
A packed NRG Stadium in Houston will host the much-anticipated first quarter-final match of the 2024 Copa America, with favorites Argentina taking on Ecuador. At just 17 years and 61 days old, Kendry Páez is the youngest player to play in the Copa America quarter-finals tonight.
Ecuador outplayed Argentina in the opening stages of this match but was unable to capitalize.
In the opening minutes, Ecuador touched the ball eight times in the box, while Argentina had zero. But Argentina eventually made progress in the game, using just one good opportunity to make the breakthrough.
In the sixth minute, Moises Caicedo broke through the Argentine defense and shot! It looked like he would become the first player to score against Argentina in this World Cup, but his shot could not generate power and Emi Martinez made an easy save.
Ecuador had a big chance in the first fifteen minutes. Jeremy Sarmiento and Caicedo combined brilliantly to get away on the left wing. Sarmiento entered the box, tapped in the defender, and shot, but Emi Martinez saved!
Paes had a great follow-up shot opportunity at the top of the penalty area, but failed to hit the target.
As the Ecuadorean fans gained confidence, chants of “Si se puede” (It’s possible) grew louder in the stands. Argentina started the match on shaky ground… literally. The pitch looked tough, but the game was fast. Argentina didn’t feel comfortable in Houston.
Argentina began to gain more control of the game after Ecuador had a series of early chances. They pressed Ecuador deep and took the ball from Paes when Ecuador briefly won possession back.
Possession of the ball led to their best chance of the match so far. Enzo Fernandez won a free kick in the box but the ball went wide.
Argentina broke through Ecuador’s pressure as Messi released Fernandez to shoot. He had to beat two defenders and wrestle Preciado to the ground, but another player managed to block his subsequent shot.
The ban was broken when Argentina took a corner kick at the first post and Lisandro Martinez headed it in at the back post.
Argentina’s goal (35′) was due to poor defending by Ecuador. Goalkeeper Alexandre Dominguez was completely out of form and at least two outfield players – William Pacho and Alan Franco – were just watching the ball.
In the second half, Ecuador took a penalty kick from Rodrigo De Paul. Valencia placed the ball behind him and, despite Martinez going the wrong way, the ball rolled to the post. How I miss Valencia!
Ecuador continued to try to equalize the score.
Valencia almost had a chance to break through the Argentine goal from midfield but failed to connect with the ball, allowing Nahuel Molina to recover and stop his run.
Moments later, a loose ball found its way into his box, but there was nothing he could do before the defenders cleared it.
When the whistle blew, Jordi Caicedo had a chance to head the ball in, but his shot went wide.
For penalties:
Messi missed, Emi Martinez blocked from Mena, Alvarez scored, Emi Martinez blocked from Minda, Mike Allister scored, Yeboah scored, Montiel scored, Jordi Caicedo scored, and then Otamendi shot Argentina into the semifinals (4-2).
Argentina goalkeeper Aimi Martinez saved two penalties to help Messi and his team-mates reach the semi-finals. (Getty Images)
[ad_2]
Source link
