Lisandro Martinez had put the world champions ahead in the Copa America quarterfinals. Argentina advanced to the Copa America semi-finals with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Ecuador on Thursday. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez made two saves in the shootout after a 1-1 draw in normal time. Argentina’s opener, Lisandro Martinez, was cancelled out by Kevin Rodriguez in stoppage time, so the match went straight to penalties. Lionel Messi clipped the crossbar with Argentina’s first attempt in the shootout. Reported By skySports....Read The Full Story Here ▶
“In penalties, the team has blind confidence in its goalkeeper, which is critical,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni stated. “Even after Leo’s miss and what that implies for the club, it’s critical that our goalie come up clutch.
“I don’t think it’s fun to win this way. Of course, we’re thrilled, but I didn’t relish the triumph.”
Messi started the game despite being an injury doubt after missing their final group match against Peru due to a hamstring issue, and the Argentina captain set a tournament record for the most minutes played.
Argentina dominated possession early on, but it was Ecuador who had the first chance, with Jeremy Sarmiento finding space to strike from a close angle, forcing Martinez to save.
However, as Argentina’s fans became more vocal, the side took the lead in the 35th minute when Alexis Mac Allister’s headed flick-on found Martinez at the far post, and the defender nodded in his first international goal.
