Facing an underrated opponent, Ecuador, plus the return of captain Messi, Argentina entered the game determinedly by attacking high from the beginning of the match. But their moves on the ball were very deadlocked and sporadic.
On the contrary, Ecuador’s counter-attacking style of play has caused many difficulties for Argentina’s defense. From a counterattack in the 15th minute, Kendry Paez turned the ball to eliminate the Argentine defender and faced goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, but his shot could not beat the goalkeeper.
Just 1 minute later, it was Angelo Preciado’s turn to shoot from close range, but his kick went over the bar. After these two near-death phases, Argentina gradually adjusted the pace of the match and created several dangerous opportunities.
In the 35th minute, they got the opening goal 1-0 thanks to Lisandro Martinez with a header into an empty net, after a missed header from Alexis Mac Allister. Having the lead, Argentina played a very disappointing style of play, allowing Ecuador to put pressure on them in the second half.
In the 60th minute, Ecuador was awarded a penalty after De Paul touched the ball with his hand in the penalty area. But from the 11m mark, Valencia kicked the ball against the post, missing a chance to equalize for Ecuador. It wasn’t until the 90+1 minute that Rodríguez scored to equalize 1-1 for Ecuador with a dangerous header.
Tied 1-1 after 90 minutes, the two teams had to take a penalty shootout to determine their ticket to the semi-finals. Messi was the one who took Argentina’s first shot and he shot the ball over the crossbar.
Fortunately, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez shined to save Messi, successfully blocking Ecuador’s next two shots by Mena and Minda. While the remaining 4 players of Argentina, Alvarez, Mac Allister, Montiel and Otamendi, all scored successfully to help the defending champion win 4-2 in the penalty shootout (2 Ecuadorian players scored successfully: Yeboah and Caicedo).
With this victory, Argentina has won tickets to the semi-finals of Copa America 2024. Their opponent will be the winner of the match between Canada and Venezuela.
Argentina anxiously waits for Messi before the 2024 Copa America quarter-finals
