Emi Martinez stopped two penalties to spare Lionel Messi’s blushes, as Argentina went to the Copa America semifinals.
Argentina has yet to perform at its best in the Copa America. The Albiceleste have been loose at times, a shadow of their World Cup-winning selves. However, another mediocre performance on Thursday evening was enough, as the reigning champions defeated Ecuador 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation to advance to the semifinals.
Lionel Messi labored throughout the game, failing to make an impact and missing a penalty kick yet again. Nonetheless, those around him proved vital, with Emi Martinez saving two chances to put Argentina through.
La Albicelste found the breakthrough after 35 minutes, with Lisandro Martinez nodding home at the far post off a well-worked corner routine. Enzo Fernandez could have made it two before half time, but dragged an effort narrowly wide.
They seemed sure to have won it in normal time, but Kevin Rodriguez’s glancing header in second half stoppage-time sent the contest to penalties.
Messi missed Argentina’s first, but Martinez stood firm – and the rest of La Albiceleste converted to secure a fifth-straight semifinal spot.
Goalkeeper and Defendence
Emi Martinez (10/10) .
Made several wise stops in the first half. Saved two penalties with another spectacular shootout performance.
Nahuel Molina (7/10):
He won almost all of his tackles, produced a handful of key recoveries, and kept the dangerous Kendry Paez quiet.
Lisandro Martinez (8/10):
He couldn’t miss from close range to open the scoring, his first goal for the national team. Solid on defense as well.
Christian Romero (7/10):
He circulated the ball efficiently, won his duels, and drew a few key free kicks to seal the victory late on.
Nicolas Tagliafico (6/10):
Completed all but one of his passes. The majority of the Ecuadorian threat came from the opposite wing.
Midfield
Rodrigo De Paul (6/10):
He performed well defensively in an unfamiliar right-sided role. A stupid handball cost me a penalty.
Alexis Macallister (8/10):
In the heart of the park, everything looks neat and polished. He assisted his team’s first goal. Understated but very effective.
Enzo Fernández (5/10):
In the first half, I had three good chances but missed them. Loose in possession and bad defensively. This was not his greatest game.
Nicolas Gonzalez (6/10):
Put in a shift on the left and ate some grass. Offered little offensively, but that didn’t matter.
Attack
Lionel Messi (6/10)
A little loose early on after missing the previous game due to a leg ailment. Despite this, numerous unforgettable moments were created through brilliant passes. He has not struck his best shot in the competition thus far.
Lautaro Martinez (5/10):
In the first half, I got by on scraps. There weren’t many opportunities after the interval. I subbed after a stressful hour.
Subs and Manager
Julian Alvarez (5/10).
He barely touched the ball and came on as a second-half substitute. I scored a nice penalty in the shootout.
Giovani Lo Celso (n/a):
There is no time to make an impression.
Nicholas Otamendi (8/10):
He lost his man on the Ecuador equalizer but scored the winning penalty.
Gonzalo Montiel (n/a):
There is no time to make an impression.
Lionel Scaloni (7/10):
Went mostly full strength, but his team was lacking once more. It took penalty heroics to get through, but the dream lives on.
