Argentina is in the semi-finals of the Copa America, but before that it had to struggle like never before to eliminate a brave Ecuador, who dominated the match and forced a penalty shoot-out in injury time. But a gigantic Emiliano Dibu Martínez, who saved two penalties, became the Argentine hero after Lionel Messi’s shot hit the crossbar.
“Houston, we have a problem.” Argentina controls the ball, but it doesn’t hurt. And to top it off, Ecuador has little control of the ball but uses it with surgical precision. So much so that while the camera director was distracted by the inevitable and timely image of the president of Conmebol, Alejandro Domínguez, the Dibu had its first scramble to avoid a tackle by Moisés Caicedo, with all the Argentine defenders running from behind.
As if it were the Apollo XIII, the Scaloneta was in a state of emergency because the midfielders were not cutting in, the defenders had a lot of space in front of them (and behind them) and were unable to anticipate the ball and Messi, visibly diminished, barely touched the ball lying on the right wing as in his first years at Barcelona. Outplayed like few times in those first 20 minutes, Scaloni’s team looked like that sensible boxer who continues to go forward blindly, but who knows that at the first precise blow from his rival he ends up on the canvas.
So, when the debacle seemed inevitable, as in Lusail, what did work was the miraculous left foot of Dibu: with the movement immortalized against Kolo Muani, this time he took the goal from Sarmiento, who had previously left Cuti Romero in the dust.
With the heroes confused and lost, this time it was the Argentine fans who understood that they had to restore the confidence of their players, who had so often infected them with what they showed on the field. That is why the team-people symbiosis reappeared, but this time the contagion arose from the stands towards the shabby grass of the NRG Stadium.
With the encouragement of their fans, the boys from the telephone directory – Martínez, Fernández, González – began to emerge, along with the growth of Mac Allister, who was better established in the centre of the field. Enzo had two clear chances, one with a header and another with his right foot, but he was not accurate. On the other hand, Messi did have a chance from a corner to put the ball in at the first post for Mac Allister to head in and Lisandro Martínez to arrive at the second post with the goal-scoring header.
Not even the goal was enough for Argentina to take control of the game, which was always divided, tangled and unclear. But without being able to wear a tuxedo, the National Team had no dramas in putting on the overalls and working the game. It played for time, gave up the ball, cooled down the game, made the game more difficult, joined in all the discussions and did not spare a strong leg. Everything counted to get into a new semifinal. It seemed like it was enough, but in the last one, Kevin Rodriguez beat Otamendi from above and said “Houston, we have another problem.” But then the mechanic Dibu appeared, who again showed himself to be a giant, stopped two penalties and covered up Messi’s error, to take Argentina to the semifinals on Tuesday.
Dibu Martínez, Argentina’s hero again
“It was a bit difficult for us. The pitch didn’t help. It was a downhill game for us. We almost lost. But we weren’t ready to go home,” said Dibu Martínez after qualifying for the Semi-Finals. He saved Minda and the Argentine goalkeeper did a little dance.
Dibu saves, goals from Julián, MacAllister, Montiel and Otamendi for the ticket to the semi-finals
After Messi’s mistake, Dibu Martínez appeared with a great save to keep the score at parity. Then Julián Alvarez scored with a great finish and Dibu again blocked Minda to allow Argentina to take the lead in the definition. MacAllister scored his; Rondón scored. Montiel did not miss on the fourth; neither did Caicedo. And Otamendi kicked the fifth, scored and gave the National Team the ticket to the semifinals.
Dibu Martínez receives the ovation of the fans
On his way to the goal where the penalties will be taken, the Argentine goalkeeper receives encouragement from the Argentine fans who filled the NRG Stadium.
The passage to the semi-finals will be decided on penalties
Dramatic end to the match in Houston. After Ecuador’s equaliser, the national team was unable to gain a foothold and was forced to withstand the onslaught of its rival. Ecuador was better in attack.
Goal for Ecuador!
Yeboah crossed and Kevin Rodríguez headed the ball over the far post to equalise in stoppage time. The VAR analysed the play and validated the Ecuadorian goal. With this result, the match will be decided by penalties.
The final minutes are played with pure intensity
Ecuador is looking for a draw in the final minutes, but the national team is holding off the attacks. The national team’s game was not good, but the narrow victory eased their passage to the semifinals where they will wait for the winner of the duel between Venezuela and Canada, who will face each other this Friday at 10 pm. Referee Matonte added 5 more minutes.
More changes in Argentina
Nicolas Otamendi came in for Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso for Enzo Fernandez. Sanchez Bas also made changes to the Ecuadorian bench.
Yellow card for Caicedo
Matonte showed Caicedo a yellow card after a strong challenge on Rodrigo De Paul.
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2024-07-05 03:13:23
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