Argentina Advances: Emi Martinez Shines in Copa America Quarterfinals
Argentina Escapes Ecuador in Dramatic Shootout, Thanks to Emi Martinez
Argentina beats Ecuador 4-2 in a penalty shootout to reach the Copa America semifinals, thanks to heroic saves from goalkeeper Emi Martinez. Read the match report and highlights from a thrilling quarterfinal encounter.
Argentina secured a spot in the Copa America semifinals after defeating Ecuador 4-2 in a penalty shootout, thanks to the heroics of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who was named the game's MVP. The match had ended 1-1 after regulation time, with the teams proceeding straight to penalties.
Argentina's captain, Lionel Messi, had a disappointing start to the shootout, chipping his attempt against the crossbar. However, Martinez made up for it by saving Ecuador's first two spot kicks from Alan Minda and Angel Mena, giving Argentina the upper hand.
Julian Alvarez of Manchester City and Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool scored Argentina's goals in the shootout, while John Yeboah kept Ecuador's hopes alive. However, Nicolas Otamendi, a former Manchester City defender, sealed the win for Argentina with the decisive penalty.
Ecuador had forced penalties with a late goal in injury time, thanks to Kevin Rodriguez's header from an in-swinging cross. Argentina had taken the lead in the first half with a close-range header from Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, but Ecuador had chances to equalize, including a missed penalty kick by captain Enner Valencia in the first half.
Martinez, who had taunted the Ecuadorian fans with his penalty saves during the shootout, celebrated with the Argentine-dominated Houston crowd, pumping his arms in triumph. The former Arsenal goalkeeper has now saved nine penalties and conceded only 12 of the 24 he has faced for Argentina.
Argentina, the 15-time Copa America champions, will face either Venezuela or Canada in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Ecuador parted ways with manager Felix Sanchez, despite having three years left on his contract, following the loss.
Emi Martinez was deservedly named the man of the match.
“We thank Felix and his coaching staff for their work and professionalism, and wish him success in his future endeavours,” the Ecuadorian Football Federation said in a statement.
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