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Emiliano Martinez saved two penalties after Lionel Messi missed his spot-kick as Argentina beat Ecuador 4-2 on penalties to secure a semi-final spot in the Copa America.
In a nail-biting quarter-final clash on Friday morning, Argentina triumphed over a resilient Ecuadorian side in the shootout. Both teams had played out a 1-1 draw in normal and extra time.
Despite a flawless defensive record in the group stages, Argentina faced early pressure as Ecuador managed two attempts on goal within the first 15 minutes.
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As the game went on, Albiceleste gradually found their footing, breaking the deadlock in the 35th minute. A well-delivered corner from Lionel Messi was flicked on by Alexis Mac Allister. Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez then nodded home at the far post, marking his first international goal and giving Argentina a crucial lead.
Lionel Scaloni’s men carried a 1-0 advantage into halftime. This made the side appear poised to continue their unbeaten run when leading at the break in the tournament. However, early in the second half, Ecuador were awarded a penalty for a handball by an Argentine defender.
Enner Valencia, who had been shown his marching orders earlier in the tournament, struck the post, squandering a prime chance to level.
Ecuador’s equaliser pushes match into penalties
Undeterred, Ecuador pressed for an equaliser and were rewarded in injury time. A dramatic goal from Kevin Rodriguez forced the game into a penalty shootout.
The tension mounted after Messi missed Argentina’s first spot-kick, his shot rattling off the crossbar. But Emiliano Martinez rose to the occasion again, saving Ecuador’s first two penalties.
After Messi’s miss, Argentina remained composed, with Nicolas Otamendi converting the decisive penalty to propel the defending champions into the semi-finals.
Martinez’s heroics in shootouts continue to be legendary, having won all four he’s participated in for Argentina, with opponents only converting half of their spot-kicks against him (9 out of 18).
La Albiceleste now eagerly awaits the winner of the Venezuela versus Canada match for their semi-final clash on 10 July.
Tags: Copa America, Emiliano Martinez, Lisandro Martinez, Lionel Messi, Argentina, Ecuador, #CopaAmerica, #NewsRoundTheClock, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnews, #nrtcsports
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