Lionel Messi came to take the first penalty for the team. The goalkeeper sent Alexander Dominguez the wrong way. But his Panekka shot went over the bar post. But Emiliano Martinez was Argentina’s savior in the penalty shootout. Amy Martinez became the hero once again by saving two penalties. Argentina went to the semi-finals after beating Ecuador 4-2 on penalties.
The last time Argentina had such a dream was in the penalty shootout in 1990 by Sergio Gaycochia. But Amy Martinez is perhaps even bigger than that. Since the 2021 Copa America, Argentina has relied on penalties. He saved 3 penalties against Colombia. After that, the victory against the Netherlands and France in the World Cup was captured by the reliable hand of Amy Martinez.The picture did not change even in the 2024 Copa America. In the match against Ecuador, the team Argentina was in trouble after conceding a goal in the last period. Lionel Messi’s missed shot added to the suspense. But Amy Martinez blocked Angel Mena and Alan Minder’s shots. Argentina scored on the next four shots. Albiceleste defeated Ecuador there. That’s why Argentina went to the semi-finals.Argentina had to suffer throughout the match in front of Ecuador’s flurry of attacks. Although the team was in danger several times in the first half, they got a comfortable lead with Lisandro Martinez’s goal. But at the very end of the second half, Albiceleste had to concede a goal. Argentina was in trouble in front of Ecuador’s long ball throughout the match. In the end, the danger is there.Just as Argentina’s fans in Houston were bracing for victory, the shock came. Kevin Rodriguez equalized for Ecuador in the 1st minute of added time when he headed in John Yaboah’s cross. The 90-minute game ended with a 1-1 draw. According to Copa America rules, the match went straight to penalty shootout. Where there is only one hero under the goal bar. Emiliano Martinez.At the beginning of the second half, Ecuador took over the scene of the match. At this time, Ecuador was apparently ahead. Ener Valencia-Moises Caicedora repeatedly raided the Albiceleste d’box while Argentina managed just one shot on goal in the full 45 minutes. They could have returned to equality in the 62nd minute of the match. But in the end, Ener Valencia’s penalty came back off the bar.Argentina then looked a bit busy in attack. But that only increased the frustration. Lionel Messi was seen taking only one shot in the 67th minute for Argentina. Lautaro Martinez was replaced by Julián Alvarez in search of a goal. Although it did not benefit the Albiceleste.This weakness in the attack will surely think about the coach Lionel Scaloni in the next match. Argentina’s frontline has added to the disappointment despite giving excellent performances in defense and midfield.The picture was similar in the first half of the match. In the first half of the 10th to 19th minutes, the two best stars of Ecuador, Moises Caicedo and Ener Valencia, were taken by the Argentinian rightback Nahuel Molinar. But Argentina did not take time to come back from there.By taking possession of the ball, they regained their dominance. And it has come to fruition. McAllister headed the ball back from Lionel Messi’s corner. Lisandro Martinez was unmarked at the far post. From there, the ball hit the net. The current champions of the Copa went into the break with a lead thanks to a goal from this Manchester United defender.The goal in the 35th minute was the first goal of Lisandro Martinez’s Argentina career. And that gave Argentina relief from discomfort in the full 45 minutes.Despite taking the lead in the first half, Argentina took a long time to find their footing. Ener Valencia, Queisodo and 17-year-old Kendry Paez kept Ecuador ahead for much of the game. Until the 29th minute, Argentina did not create any big chances in the goal against Ecuador’s 3 big chances. Even their first attack in the match came in the 26th minute.After getting a goal, Argentina had another forgettable football in the second half. Then goalie’s trusty keeper Amy Martinez pulled the team into the semi-finals. Argentina will face the winner of the Venezuela and Canada match tomorrow in the last four.