HOUSTON, Texas, July 4 (Reuters) – Argentina beat Ecuador 4-2 on penalties to move into the semi-finals of the Copa America on Thursday after goalkeeper Emi Martinez made two saves in the shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.Lisandro Martinez’s opener for Argentina was cancelled out by Kevin Rodriguez in stoppage time, and with no extra time at the Copa America apart from the final the match went straight to penalties.Lionel Messi clipped the crossbar with Argentina’s first effort in the shootout but Martinez saved from Angel Mena and Alan Minda as the defending champions moved into a semi-final match-up against either Venezuela or Canada.
“In penalties, the team has blind confidence in its goalkeeper and that is fundamental,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. “Even after Leo’s miss and with all that means for the team, it’s very important that our goalkeeper came up clutch.”I think it’s not enjoyable when you win in this way. Of course, we are happy, but I didn’t enjoy this victory.”Messi started the game despite being an injury doubt after missing their final group match against Peru due to a hamstring issue, and the Argentina captain broke the record for most minutes played in the tournament’s history.
Argentina dominated possession early on but it was Ecuador who created the first chance when Jeremy Sarmiento found space to shoot from a tight angle and forced Martinez into a save.But as Argentina’s fans found their voice their team took the lead in the 35th minute when Alexis Mac Allister’s headed flick-on found Martinez at the far post and the defender nodded home his first international goal.
