Watch Argentina vs Ecuador full match replay and highlight. This is a match of CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Quarter-Finals.
Kick off: 01:00 GMT Friday Jul 5, 2024.
Referee: Andres Matonte, Uruguay.
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston.
Emiliano Martínez Shines as Argentina Edges Ecuador to Reach Copa América Semi-Finals
Argentina’s star goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez showcased his penalty-saving prowess to propel Argentina into the semi-finals of the 2024 Copa América with a thrilling victory over Ecuador at NRG Stadium in Texas. Martínez saved two crucial penalties in the shootout, ensuring the holders’ dramatic advancement.
Match Overview
Coming into the quarter-final clash with six clean sheets in their last eight matches, Argentina’s usually solid defense was immediately tested by a lively Ecuadorian side. Early opportunities saw Moisés Caicedo and Jeremy Sarmiento both thwarted by the ever-reliable Martínez, while Kendry Páez missed a close chance by firing over.
As Ecuador pressed forward, Argentina gradually found their rhythm, led by the dynamic Enzo Fernández. Fernández came close to breaking the deadlock with a header that narrowly missed and a deflected shot that went off target. The breakthrough finally came ten minutes before halftime, with Lionel Messi delivering a precise corner that Alexis Mac Allister deftly flicked on, allowing Lisandro Martínez to nod in his first international goal, giving Argentina a crucial lead.
Second Half Drama
In need of a comeback, Ecuador ramped up their efforts in the second half. Their persistence paid off when they were awarded a penalty for a handball against Rodrigo De Paul. However, fate was not on Enner Valencia’s side as his penalty struck the post, leaving Ecuador still chasing the game.
As the match drew to a close, Argentina’s experienced squad managed to control the pace, frustrating Ecuador’s attempts to equalize. The tension peaked in the 91st minute when Kevin Rodríguez headed home a dramatic equalizer from John Yeboah’s cross, sending the match to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout Heroics
The shootout began with high drama as Lionel Messi’s attempt at a panenka hit the bar. Emiliano Martínez quickly restored Argentina’s momentum by saving Ángel Mena’s spot-kick and then stopping Alan Minda’s subsequent effort. With the pressure mounting, Nicolás Otamendi stepped up and converted the decisive penalty, securing Argentina’s passage to the semi-finals for the fifth consecutive Copa América.
Conclusion
Argentina’s victory sets up a tantalizing semi-final clash, keeping their hopes alive for another Copa América triumph. Emiliano Martínez’s standout performance will be remembered as a key factor in their journey, reinforcing his reputation as a penalty-saving maestro.