Copa América 2024: Argentina through to semifinals on 4-2 penalty-shootout win over Ecuador

Posted: Friday, July 5, 2024. 10:02 am CST.

Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez made two crucial saves in penalty shootout against Ecuador – Photo Credit: CONMEBOL.com/Facebook

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Lionel Messi missed his penalty kick in the final shootout against Ecuador, but defending champions Argentina still qualified for the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 Semifinals after heroics by goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez led them to a 4-2 shootout win.

Argentina were leading Ecuador on a 35^th minute goal by Lautaro Martínez in the Copa América quarterfinals on Thursday at NRG Stadium in Houston, but Ecuador forced extra time with a last-gasp goal by Kevin Rodríguez in 90’+1 stoppage time.

In the subsequent penalty-kick shootout, Messi missed but Martínez saved two penalty kicks while Gonzalo Montiel, Rodrigo De Paul, and Nicolas Otamendi (Argentina) all converted.

Enner Valencia and Fidel Martínez scored for Ecuador.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Messi said he was angry that he missed his penalty kick.

“I was very angry because I was convinced to take it that way if the opportunity arose,” Messi said.

“I had talked with Dibu and Rulli in advance.”

Argentina will play either Venezuela or Canada on Tuesday, July 9 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey at 7:00 pm.

In the other Quarterfinals, Venezuela play Canada on Friday at 7:00 pm at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas at 7:00 pm.

On Saturday, Colombia face Panama at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona at 4:00 pm while Uruguay face Brazil at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada at 7:00 pm.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.