Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez emerged as the hero, saving two penalties and sparing Lionel Messi’s blushes as Argentina overcame Ecuador in a penalty shootout to secure their spot in the Copa America semi-finals on Thursday.
A Lisandro Martinez header gave the world champions a 1-0 lead ten minutes before halftime, but Kevin Rodriguez equalized for Ecuador with a stoppage-time header in front of 69,456 fans at Houston’s NRG Stadium.
Messi missed the opening penalty, hitting the bar with a chipped effort, but Martinez’s heroics ensured Argentina recovered to win the shootout 4-2. They will now face the winner of Friday’s match between Venezuela and Canada in the semi-finals.
Messi’s missed ‘Panenka’ echoed his miss in the shootout loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa final, but Martinez was in top form to save the day. He made outstanding diving saves to deny Angel Mena and Alan Minda, allowing Nicolas Otamendi to slot home the decisive fourth penalty.
Martinez, who saved three penalties in Argentina’s 2021 Copa America semi-final win against Colombia and two in the World Cup final victory over France in Qatar, was the difference-maker once again.
Ecuador, who created enough chances to win the game, were left heartbroken. Felix Sanchez’s team started brightly, dominating midfield and stretching the Argentine defense. Moises Caicedo had an early opportunity, but his shot was easily saved by Martinez.
Jeremy Sarmiento also tested Martinez, who saved with an outstretched foot, while Kendry Paez blasted the rebound over the bar.
Argentina gradually gained control, and in the 28th minute, Enzo Fernandez headed wide from a Nahuel Molina cross. Seven minutes later, Argentina took the lead when Alexis Mac Allister flicked on a Messi corner, allowing Lisandro Martinez to score with a powerful header.
Fernandez missed a chance to double the lead, firing wide with his left foot, and Argentina entered halftime with a narrow advantage.
Ecuador had a lifeline in the 62nd minute when Rodrigo De Paul was penalized for handball, but Valencia’s penalty hit the outside of the post.
In stoppage time, Kevin Rodriguez equalized with a header from a John Yeboah cross, which stood after a VAR review.
Jordy Caicedo had a late chance to win it for Ecuador, but his header from a central position went wide, leading to the decisive penalty shootout.
