MARTINEZ SAVES MESSI'S BLUSHES AS ARGENTINA BEAT ECUADOR ON PENALTIES TO REACH SEMIS

Argentina secured a spot in the Copa America semi-finals after a thrilling 4-2 penalty shootout victory against Ecuador on Thursday, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez was the hero of the shootout, making two crucial saves to ensure the defending champions progressed.

The match saw Lisandro Martinez give Argentina the lead in the 35th minute, heading in his first international goal from an Alexis Mac Allister flick-on. Argentina controlled possession early, but Ecuador created the first significant chance when Jeremy Sarmiento forced Martinez into a save from a tight angle. Ecuador increased the pressure in the second half and nearly equalized when a corner deflected onto Rodrigo De Paul's hand, resulting in a penalty. Enner Valencia, Ecuador's captain and top scorer, hit the post with his attempt, and Argentina's Cristian Romero blocked the rebound.

In stoppage time, Ecuador found their equaliser. John Yeboah delivered a perfect cross, and Kevin Rodriguez headed past Martinez in the 91st minute, leveling the score at 1-1 and sending the match to penalties, as there is no extra time in Copa America knockout games apart from the final.

Messi misses penalty

Lionel Messi, despite injury concerns, started the game and set a record for most minutes played in the tournament's history. However, he clipped the crossbar with Argentina's first penalty in the shootout. Emi Martinez then made two crucial saves, denying Angel Mena and Alan Minda. Nicolas Otamendi sealed the victory with the decisive penalty, setting up a semi-final clash against either Venezuela or Canada.

Martinez's jubilant reaction following his saves was a highlight, as he celebrated with the crowd, lifting Argentina into the next round.

Argentina will now wait for the winner of the Canada vs Venezuela match for the semi-final clash on July 9.

2024-07-05T04:56:37Z dg43tfdfdgfd