It wasn’t pretty but Argentina are through to the semifinals of Copa America 2024 as they beat Ecuador on penalty kicks in Houston, Texas.
[ MORE: Copa America schedule, bracket ]
Lisandro Martinez gave Argentina the lead in the first half but a robust Ecuador side equalized in the 91st minute through Kevin Rodriguez to take the game to penalty kicks.
Despite Lionel Messi missing Argentina’s first penalty, Emiliano Martinez saved two spot kicks to once again be the hero in a shootout, as the reigning Copa America and World Cup champs squeezed through to the semifinals where they will face the winner of Venezuela vs Canada at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday, July 9.
Argentina vs Ecuador highlights
ARGENTINA BREAKS THROUGH 🔥
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
Lisandro Martínez scores his first goal for Argentina at the perfect time 👏🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/iGKgRVLUk7
ECUADOR SCORES IN STOPPAGE TIME 🔥😱
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
WE ARE NOW MINUTES AWAY FROM PENALTY KICKS 🤯 pic.twitter.com/7yyEZQaHUa
Every penalty from the Argentina-Ecuador shootout ✅
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
Relive every moment ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/LuruLOulb9
How to watch Argentina vs Ecuador, stream link and start time
Kick off: 9pm ET, Thursday (July 4)
Stadium: NRG Stadium, Houston
How to watch on TV, stream in USA: Fox Sports
Argentina team news, focus
All of the focus will be on who starts up top as Lautaro Martinez is pushing hard to make the lineup again. Messi had some hamstring discomfort and didn’t feature against Peru, but he will come back into the starting lineup. So too will Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul and Julian Alvarez after being rested against Peru. This Argentine side are so talented going forward but they’ve also become a monstrously good defensive unit.
Ecuador team news, focus
Ecuador will look to keep it tight and find veteran forward Enner Valencia on the counter. Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo will enjoy going up against his former Brighton teammate Mac Allister in midfield and if Ecuador can cut off the supply line to Messi centrally, they will have some joy. That’s a big if though.
Argentina vs Ecuador prediction
All signs point towards an Argentina win and they will get it. Yes they’re wonderful to watch in midfield and attack but the way they stifle opponents and give them absolute no hope of scoring is the big change in their tactics and why they’ve been so successful in recent years. Argentina 2-0 Ecuador.