- Argentina won 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
- They will play the Semifinal against Venezuela or Canada on July 9.
Highlights
- Lisandro Martínez scored Argentina's goal.
- Kevin Rodríguez equalized the match in stoppage time.
- Dibu Martínez saved two penalties.
The knockout stage of CONMEBOL Copa América™ has begun. At NRG Stadium in Houston, Argentina and Ecuador opened the Quarterfinals of the world's oldest national team tournament.
Despite the reigning champion starting with a lot of possession, the most dangerous team was Ecuador, who had the first 3 shots of the match. In one of them, Dibu Martínez had to save a dangerous shot from Sarmiento with his foot.
Argentina had their first good chances through Enzo Fernández: the first with a header and the second on a counterattack that ended in a corner. From that corner, executed by Messi, Lisandro Martínez made the second header in the area - Mac Allister had made the first - and Alexander Domínguez saved it, but it was already behind the goal line.
In the last play of the first half, a run by Nicolás González gave Albiceleste hope for a second goal, but finally, the Ecuadorian defense managed to regroup and everything ended without further danger. At halftime, Scaloni's team went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
The second half started less frenetically but was highly contested. In the 55th minute, Lautaro Martínez created a chance after a long ball from Dibu Martínez: the tournament's top scorer controlled it with his chest, turned, and his left-footed shot went just wide of Domínguez's goal.
Using the full width of the field, Ecuador unsettled Argentina and got a great opportunity to equalize the match with a penalty after a handball by Rodrigo de Paul. Enner Valencia's shot hit the post, sparking celebrations from the Argentine fans.
Félix Sánchez's team took the initiative in the remaining half hour without creating clear chances. However, in stoppage time, a good cross from Yeboah was headed into Emiliano Martínez's goal by substitute Kevin Rodríguez, scoring the first goal Argentina has conceded in the entire CONMEBOL Copa América™. It was 1-1 at the end of the match.
The draw led to the penalty shootout. It began with Messi, who chipped the ball, hitting the crossbar. This adverse start did not turn into a disadvantage as Dibu Martínez saved Mena's shot. Julián Álvarez scored, and then Dibu saved again, this time from Minda.
Those two saved penalties gave Argentina the necessary advantage to win. Nicolás Otamendi scored the decisive penalty, sealing the 4-2 victory and Argentina's passage to the Semifinals.
Watch the goals, match highlights and penalty shootout from Argentina vs Ecuador:
What's next?
Argentina will play the Semifinal against the winner of the Venezuela or Canada match, which will take place on July 5. The Semifinal match will be on July 9 at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Lineups and match information
Argentina: .Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez y Nicolás González.
Substitutions made: Julián Álvarez, Nicolás Otamendi, Giovani Lo Celso, Gonzalo Montiel.
Cards: Nicolás González (yellow), Nicolás Tagliafico (yellow),
Coach: Lionel Scaloni
Ecuador: Alexander Domínguez; Ángelo Preciado, Félix Torres, William Pacho, Piero Hincapié; Alan Franco, Carlos Gruezo, Moisés Caicedo, Jeremy Caicedo; Kendry Páez y Enner Valencia.
Coach: Félix Sánchez
Substitutions made: Alan Minda, Kevin Rodríguez, Ángel Mena, John Yeboah, Jordy Caicedo,
Cards: Enner Valencia (yellow), Moisés Caicedo (yellow),
Goals: First Half: 36’ Lisandro Martínez (A). Second Half: 91’, Kevin Rodríguez (E).
Referee: Andrés Matonte (URU)
Stadium: NRG Stadium – Houston, Texas
Superior Player of the Match Michelob ULTRA: Emiliano Martínez (A)
Penalty Shootout
Argentina: Messi (missed), Julián Álvarez (scored), Alexis Mac Allister (scored), Gonzalo Montiel (scored), Nicolás Otamendi (scored).
Ecuador: Ángel Mena (saved), Alan Minda (saved), Yeboah (scored), Jordy Caicedo (scored).
