Argentina advanced to the Copa America semi-finals after a thrilling 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Ecuador on Thursday.
The match, which ended 1-1 in regular time, saw goalkeeper Emi Martinez become the hero by saving two penalties.
Lisandro Martinez opened the scoring for Argentina, only for Kevin Rodriguez to equalize in stoppage time. With no extra time in Copa America matches except the final, the game proceeded directly to a penalty shootout.
Lionel Messi hit the crossbar with Argentina’s first penalty, but Martinez made crucial saves from Angel Mena and Alan Minda, securing the defending champions’ spot in the semi-finals against either Venezuela or Canada.
“In penalties, the team has blind confidence in its goalkeeper and that is fundamental,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. “Even after Leo’s miss and with all that means for the team, it’s very important that our goalkeeper came up clutch. I think it’s not enjoyable when you win in this way. Of course, we are happy, but I didn’t enjoy this victory.”
Messi, who had been an injury doubt due to a hamstring issue and missed the final group match against Peru, started the game and broke the record for the most minutes played in the tournament’s history.
Argentina dominated possession early, but Ecuador created the first real chance when Jeremy Sarmiento forced Martinez into a save from a tight angle.
The breakthrough for Argentina came in the 35th minute when Alexis Mac Allister’s flick-on found Martinez, who nodded in his first international goal.
Ecuador increased the pressure in the second half and were awarded a penalty when Rodrigo De Paul’s handball was spotted at a corner.
Enner Valencia’s attempt hit the post, and the follow-up was blocked by Cristian Romero. Martinez celebrated the miss with the crowd, which seemed to deflate Ecuador’s momentum.
“He’s the captain and he took the penalty because he was feeling confident enough, but he missed. That happens in football,” Ecuador coach Felix Sanchez said. “In many other areas of the game, he was able to contribute… We really appreciate that he took the chance. It’s a lottery today, it didn’t go in. Maybe next time it will.”
Ecuador equalized in stoppage time when John Yeboah’s cross was headed in by Rodriguez.
Despite this, Martinez had the final say, making two key saves in the shootout before Nicolas Otamendi’s decisive kick secured Argentina’s place in the semi-finals.
