Argentina qualified for the semifinals of the Copa America 2024 tournament following a sensational penalty shootout against Ecuador in the quarterfinals.
Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez, in goal for Argentina, saved two penalties to send Argentina through.
The Argentine squad came into the match as favorites, though Ecuador had Moises Caicedo, who has been phenomenal for them, and Hincampie, Paez, and Sarmiento.
The game started with poor pitch conditions and needed to live up to the nature of the contest.
However, it sparked into life after Lisandro Martinez put the Argentinians in front with his first international goal of his career, following a rebound cross from Alexis MacAllister after Lionel Messi took the corner.
Argentina then held most of the possession, but in the second half, the Ecuadorians pushed, earning themselves a penalty in the 54th minute.
Nevertheless, Enner Valencia could not convert. Argentina held on until the first minute of added time in the second half, where Kevin Rodriguez sent his header past Emi Martinez following Angelo Caicedo‘s cross, giving Ecuador a lifeline.
The game then entered a penalty shootout, following the rule in the Copa games concerning lack of extra time after Regulation Time.
Lionel Messi took Argentina’s first penalty and played the ball directly to the crossbar, leaving everyone shell-shocked.
However, after Argentina scored their remaining penalties, Emi Martinez saved two penalties, ensuring Argentina’s qualification into the next round.
Heading To The Semi’s
Emi Martinez’s feats also helped Argentina in the World Cup, where he saved two penalties, and in the last edition of the Copa America, where he did the same feats.
Argentina will now face either Venezuela or Canada in the semis. Venezuela has her game with Canada coming up in Arlington, Texas, in the second Copa America quarter-final.
If Argentina wins this Copa America 2024, it will add one more trophy to the long list of international trophies.
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