Emiliano Martinez emerged as the hero for Argentina, saving two crucial penalties to secure a 4-2 shootout victory over Ecuador and propel them into the Copa America semi-finals.
The match finished 1-1 after a tense 90 minutes. Argentina started poorly as Lionel Messi’s chipped penalty attempt clattered off the crossbar.
However, Emi Martinez’s heroics began right after, denying both Angel Mena and Alan Minda from the spot.
Argentina capitalized with goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexis Mac Allister, while Nicolas Otamendi converted the winning penalty after John Yeboah kept Ecuador’s hopes alive.
This came after a dramatic injury-time equalizer from Kevin Rodriguez for Ecuador, who had earlier missed a penalty of their own through Enner Valencia.
Lisandro Martinez had initially put Argentina ahead with a first-half header. The reigning World Cup holders were far from their best but managed to survive some scares, including a missed Ecuadorian penalty.
Martinez’s heroics in the shootout continued a remarkable record. The Aston Villa goalkeeper has saved an impressive nine penalties out of 24 faced for Argentina.
Argentina, 15-time Copa America champions, now await the winner between Canada and Venezuela in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Ecuador parted ways with manager Felix Sanchez following the defeat, despite his remaining contract.
