Defending champions Argentina progressed to the Copa America semifinals after defeating Ecuador 4-2 in a penalty shootout, following a 1-1 draw on Thursday night.
Lionel Messi’s initial penalty kick for Argentina hit the crossbar, but goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez came through with crucial saves, denying Ecuador’s first two attempts. The winning kick was delivered by Nicolas Otamendi past Alexander Dominguez.
Argentina took the lead in the 35th minute through Lisandro Martinez’s header, capitalizing on a corner kick by Messi. Kevin Rodriguez equalized for Ecuador in the first minute of stoppage time in the second half. Ecuador missed a chance to take the lead earlier when Enner Valencia’s penalty kick struck the post after a handball by Rodrigo De Paul in the 62nd minute.
Seeking their third consecutive major title, Argentina secured a spot in the semifinals for the fifth consecutive Copa America. They will face either Venezuela or Canada on Tuesday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with hopes of claiming a record 16th Copa America title.
In the shootout, Messi attempted a Panenka but hit the crossbar. Martinez, who played a pivotal role in Argentina’s shootout victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final, saved penalties from Angel Mena and Alan Minda.
Julian Alvarez and Alexis Mac Allister successfully converted their penalties to give Argentina a 2-0 lead in the shootout. John Yeboah scored for Ecuador, while Gonzalo Montiel and Jordy Caicedo also found the net for their respective teams. Otamendi secured Argentina’s victory with the decisive penalty kick.
Messi received a warm reception upon entering the field 45 minutes before kickoff, returning after missing Argentina’s last group stage match against Peru due to a leg injury sustained on June 25 against Chile.
