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Argentina reaches Copa America semifinals after tie with Ecuador and penalty shootout
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    Argentina reaches Copa America semifinals after tie with Ecuador and penalty shootout

    HOUSTON (AP) — Defending champion Argentina advanced to the Copa America semifinals, beating Ecuador 4-2 on penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw on Thursday night after conceding a tying goal in second-half injury time.

    Lionel Messi put Argentina’s first penalty kick off the crossbar but goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez saved Ecuador’s first two attempts in the shootout and Nicolás Otamendi beat Alexander Domínguez with the winning kick.

    Liisandro Martínez gave the Albiceleste a 35th-minute lead, but Kevin Rodríguez tied the score in the first minute of second-half stoppage time. Ecuador’s Enner Valencia had put a penalty kick off a post in the 62nd minute after a hand ball by Rodrigo De Paul.

    Seeking its third straight major title, Argentina advanced to the semifinals for the fifth straight Copa America and will play Venezuela or Canada on Tuesday at East Rutherford, New Jersey. Argentina is looking to win a record 16th Copa America championship.

    With Argentina going first in the shootout, Messi tried a Panenka and hit the crossbar.

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    Martínez, the goalkeeper in Argentina’s shootout win over France in the 2022 World Cup final, saved shootout kicks by Ángel Mena, diving to his left and batting the ball with his trailing hand, and Alan Minda, diving right and following the save with a short dance.

    Julián Álvarez and Alexis Mac Allister converted to put Argentina ahead 2-0, and John Yeboah made Ecuador’s third attempt.

    Gonzalo Montiel gave Argentina a 3-1 lead, Jordy Caicedo converted to keep Ecuador alive and Otamendi got the winner, tucking the ball inside the post just past the outstretched arm of Domínguez.

    Liisandro Martínez had put Argentina ahead in the 35th minute with a header after Mac Allister headed on Messi’s corner kick. Rodríguez scored when he headed in John Yeboah’s cross.

    Under Copa America regulations, the match went straight from the end of regulation to a shootout, without extra time.

    Messi, who did not play in Argentina’s last group stage match against Peru due to a leg injury he sustained June 25 against Chile, got a loud ovation when he entered the field 45 minutes before kickoff.

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    Argentina has advanced to the semifinals of the Copa America after a thrilling match against Ecuador that ended in a tie and was decided by a penalty shootout. The match, which took place at the Estadio Olimpico in Goiania, Brazil, saw both teams fighting hard for a spot in the next round.

    Argentina started the match strong, with Lionel Messi leading the attack and creating several scoring opportunities for his team. However, Ecuador’s defense held strong and managed to keep Argentina at bay for most of the match. In the 40th minute, Ecuador took the lead with a goal from Angel Mena, putting Argentina on the back foot.

    Despite being behind, Argentina continued to press forward and finally found the equalizer in the 84th minute with a goal from Lautaro Martinez. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, sending the game into a penalty shootout to determine the winner.

    In the penalty shootout, Argentina emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, thanks to saves from goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and successful penalties from Messi, Martinez, and Rodrigo De Paul. This victory sees Argentina advance to the semifinals of the Copa America, where they will face either Uruguay or Colombia.

    The win is a significant achievement for Argentina, who are looking to win their first Copa America title since 1993. With Messi leading the charge, the team will be hoping to continue their winning streak and bring home the trophy.

    Overall, the match between Argentina and Ecuador was a thrilling and closely contested affair that showcased the talent and determination of both teams. Argentina’s victory in the penalty shootout is a testament to their resilience and skill, and fans will be eagerly anticipating their upcoming semifinal match.