With a dramatic victory against Ecuador, Argentina has advanced to the semi-finals of the Copa America in the USA. The defending champions won 4-2 on penalties in Houston on Thursday and can still hope for their 16th Copa title.
Manchester United player Lisandro Martinez scored with a header for Lionel Scaloni’s Albiceleste in the 35th minute. Enner Valencia missed a penalty for Ecuador in the 61st minute, but Kevin Rodriguez equalized in the first minute of injury time.
Since extra time is not allowed in the Copa, with the exception of the final, the match went straight to penalties. Star striker Lionel Messi, who had missed the last group match against Peru due to a leg injury and was substituted on after half-time, missed Argentina’s first penalty. He hit the crossbar with a “Panenka” lob. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made up for this mistake by saving the Ecuadorians’ first two attempts.
