Argentina Reaches to Copa America Semifinals, Wins 4-2 on Penalties Against Ecuadoar After 1-1 Draw  

Lionel Messi took Argentina’s first penalty kick in a Copa America shootout against Ecuador, just like he did in the 2022 World Cup final win over France. However, this time Messi hit the crossbar, placing Argentina chance to reach the semifinals at threat. I become quite disappointed, Messi stated but on the identical time, I felt steady.

He had self assurance in goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who helped shop Argentina’s bid for a 2d instantly Copa America title. Martínez blocked shootout attempts by using Ángel Mena and Alan Minda, permitting Argentina to develop to the Copa America semifinals with a 4-2 victory on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw on Thursday night time.

We recognize what Dibu is capable of, that he honestly thrives on the ones moments. He absolutely enjoys them, Messi said approximately Martínez, using the goalkeeper’s nickname.

Argentina conceded a tying purpose to Ecuador in 2d-1/2 injury time, however they rebounded and won the quarterfinal whilst Nicolás Otamendi scored the winning penalty against Alexander Domínguez.

I wasn’t prepared to move domestic, Martínez stated. This crew deserved to strengthen. Ecuador made it tough for us. They performed a first rate in shape, very physical. We knew they were one of the pinnacle competitors in Copa America.

Seeking its 1/3 consecutive main title, Argentina superior to the semifinals for the 5th consecutive Copa America. They will face Venezuela or Canada on Tuesday at East Rutherford, New Jersey. Argentina objectives to steady a report 16th Copa America championship.

“Our goalkeeper made important saves,” stated Argentina teach Lionel Scaloni via an interpreter.

In the shootout, Messi’s Panenka try failed as Argentina went first. Martínez, the goalkeeper who starred in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup very last victory, made vital saves. He dove left to block Mena’s shot together with his trailing hand after which leaped right to deny Minda’s strive, celebrating with a quick dance.

Julián Álvarez and Alexis Mac Allister scored for Argentina to take a 2-zero lead, while John Yeboah scored for Ecuador.

Gonzalo Montiel extended Argentina’s lead to three-1, but Jordy Caicedo scored to keep Ecuador’s hopes alive. Finally, Nicolás Otamendi secured the win for Argentina by using slotting the ball just within the submit, past the outstretched arm of Domínguez.

Despite the victory, Scaloni expressed that he did no longer derive enjoyment from the win. “We’ve made it to the semifinals, and given the high level of overall performance from every national crew, I recollect it a extensive success,” he commented.

Lisandro Martínez had opened the scoring for Argentina within the thirty fifth minute with a header following Mac Allister’s deflection of Messi’s nook kick. Ecuador’s Rodríguez later leveled the rating with a header from John Yeboah’s cross.

In the quarterfinals, we confronted our maximum difficult opponent, and I consider we introduced an excellent overall performance, said Ecuador educate Félix Sánchez Bas through an interpreter. This match has tested that our group can compete correctly against any opponent.

Under Copa America guidelines, the match went at once to a shootout after regulation time, bypassing any more time.

Messi, who have been sidelined because of an damage sustained on June 25 against Chile, neglected Argentina’s final organization-stage game. He obtained a rousing reception from lovers whilst he entered the field forty five minutes earlier than kickoff.

I suppose he finished the healthy nicely, Scaloni remarked. We checked on him about his circumstance one closing time 4 minutes before the end.

Despite no longer scoring in any of his 3 Copa America appearances this 12 months, Messi performed a crucial role as Argentina advanced. I completed the fit feeling excellent, Messi confirmed. I failed to sense any ache.