Argentina 1-1 Ecuador (pen 4-2): Player ratings as Penalty hero Emi Martinez Argentina to reach Semi Final

Argentina is set to clash with Ecuador in Houston on July 4 in the first quarterfinal of the 2024 Copa America.

Emiliano Martinez was Argentina’s penalty shootout hero once more as they edged out Ecuador to reach the Copa America semi-finals, despite Lionel Messi’s failed Panenka attempt.

As reigning Copa America champions, Argentina dominated Group A, winning all three of their matches without conceding a goal. However, there are growing concerns over captain Lionel Messi’s fitness, which has become a key talking point leading up to this crucial encounter.

Ecuador, on the other hand, advanced to the knockout stages by finishing level with Mexico on four points, edging them out on goal difference after a goalless draw in their Group B finale.

But there was to be a dramatic late twist in stoppage time as Rodriguez glanced home John Yeboah’s cross, with La Tricolor almost completing a sensational turnaround with Jordy Caicedo heading narrowly wide with the last kick of normal time.

They landed the first blow of the shootout when Lionel Messi’s attempted Panenka clipped the top of the crossbar. Still, it proved a false dawn as Emiliano Martinez took center stage yet again to swing the shootout back in Argentina’s favor before they scraped over the line.

Argentina Player ratings

Emi Martinez (10/10)

Nahuel Molina (7/10)

Lisandro Martinez (8/10)

Christian Romero (7/10)

Nico Tagliafico (6/10)

Rodrigo De Paul (6/10)

Alexis Mac Allister (8/10)

Enzo Fernandez (5/10)

Nico Gonzalez (6/10)

Lionel Messi (6/10)

Lautaro Martinez (5/10)

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