Martinez Saves Argentina in Penalty Shootout After Messi Miss

 Martinez Saves Penalties, Messi Misfires as Argentina Reaches Copa Semis

In the Copa America, Argentina has not yet reached their peak. At times, La Albiceleste have been careless, a pale imitation of their World Cup-winning team. But on Thursday night, after a 1-1 draw in regulation, the reigning champions overcame Ecuador 4-2 on penalties to book a semifinal position. This was despite yet another mediocre effort.

Lionel Messi had a difficult time during the match, failing to leave his mark and missing a penalty kick once more. Nevertheless, those surrounding him made the right decisions; Emi Martinez prevented Argentina from losing twice.

After thirty-five minutes, Lisandro Martinez of La Albicelste scored the game's first goal at the far post following a skillfully executed corner routine. Before the half, Enzo Fernandez had a chance to double the score, but he missed it by a close margin.

They looked like they would have won in regulation time, but Kevin Rodriguez's glancing header in stoppage time in the second half forced penalties.

Martinez held his ground after Messi missed Argentina's opening attempt, and the rest of La Albiceleste scored to guarantee a seventh consecutive semifinal berth.

Emi Martinez, goalkeeper and defense (10/10):

 

Made a few great stops in the opening frame. Saved two penalties in a remarkable performance during another shootout.

 

Molina Nahuel (7/10):

 

He nearly won every tackle he attempted, produced a few crucial recoveries, and silenced the threatening Kendry Paez.

 

Lisandro Martinez – 8 out of 10:

 

He scored his first goal for the national team from close range and couldn't miss. Strong defensively as well.

 

Romero Cristian (7/10):

 

He won his duels, moved the ball well, and got a couple of crucial free kicks to end the game in the closing moments.

 

Nico Tagliafico (7 out of 10):

 

He completed every pass he made but one. The Ecuadorian threat mainly came from the opposite direction. 

Midfield

Rodrigo De Paul (6/10):

Went about his defensive work effectively in an unfamiliar right-sided role. Gave up a penalty with a silly handball.

Alexis Mac Allister (8/10):

Tidy and classy in the middle of the park. Assisted his team's opener. Understated but so effective.

Enzo Fernandez (5/10):

Missed a trio of good chances in the first half. Loose in possession and poor defensively, too. Not his best game.

Nico Gonzalez (6/10):

Put in a shift on the left, and ate up grass. Offered little offensively - but it didn't matter.

Leo Messi (6/10): Assault

They were somewhat careless initially, following their absence from the previous match due to a leg injury. I still managed to create a few memorable moments with some deft passes. He was still at his peak during the competition.

5/10 for Lautaro Martinez

In the first half, they fed off scraps. After the interval, there weren't many more possibilities. After an irritating hour, he was substituted.

 subs and Manager

 Julian Alvarez (5/10):

Almost completely untouchable, entered as a second-half substitute. They made a clean penalty kick throughout the shootout.

 

 Giovani Lo Celso:

Too late to make a difference.

 

8/10 for Nicolas Otamendi:

On Ecuador's equalizer, he lost his man but still scored the winning penalty.

 

Montiel Gonzalo (N/A):

Too late to make a difference.

 

7/10 Lionel Scaloni:

He went almost entirely at total capacity, but his team fell short once more. They need heroics from the penalty box to survive, but the dream endures.