Copa América - Dramatic penalty win: Argentina in the semi-finals
With a dramatic win against Ecuador, Argentina advanced to the semifinals of the Copa America. The title defender secured the victory in Houston with a 4:2 penalty shootout. Striker Lionel Messi, who had to miss the last group game against Peru due to a leg injury, missed the first penalty.
Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United scored the goal for the Albiceleste in the 35th minute, following a header, for National Coach Lionel Scaloni. Ecuador's Enner Valencia missed a penalty in the 61st minute, but Kevin Rodriquez scored the equalizer in the first minute of stoppage time.
Record champion of the Copa America
The reigning South American and World champion Argentina had a perfect group phase without any points or goals conceded. With 15 titles, Argentina is the record champion of the Copa America.
With their loss, the Negative Series of the Ecuadorians at the Copa America continued. The Tricolor has not won against any South American team at the tournament since 23 years. The only wins since 2001 were against guest teams from North and Central America as well as the Caribbean.
In the upcoming quarterfinal matches, Venezuela and Canada face each other on Friday, followed by Colombia and Panama on Saturday, and later Brazil and Uruguay.
- Argentina, despite Lionel Messi missing the first penalty in the semifinal against an opponent yet to be determined, continues to rely on their strong teamwork, having advanced to this stage with a victory over Ecuador at Houston.
- The USA, as fans of soccer, might be looking forward to the potential matchup between Lionel Messi and his Argentina team in the Copa America semifinals, particularly as Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez played a significant role in their win against Ecuador.
- As Argentina prepares for the Copa America semifinals, Lionel Messi's presence and performance will be crucial, considering his absence in the last group game against Peru due to a leg injury.
- Argentina, having clinched their spot in the Copa America semifinals with a memorable victory against Ecuador in Houston, will be looking to add another title to their impressive record, being the tournament's record champion with 15 titles and the current title defender.
