HOUSTON, Texas — On Independence Day in the United States, Lionel Messi and Argentina wanted to set off fireworks for their fans with a quarterfinal win, but once again, just like in the 2022 World Cup final, it was goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez who took on the role of hero as his two big saves helped his team beat Ecuador in a dramatic penalty shootout, securing a spot in the Copa America semifinals on Thursday night.
After missing Argentina’s final group game against Peru due to a muscle injury, Messi returned to the starting lineup and led the reigning World Cup and Copa America champions to a victory over their South American rivals in a highly physical match in Houston. It was not an easy game for Argentina, though, and despite their possession, there were countless moments where Ecuador really should have taken more advantage. Even in the final moments, Ecuador will have felt like they should have delivered.
The start of the match was dominated by The Tricolor while his left flank pushed the Argentine defence, constantly catching full-back Nahuel Molina off guard. In fact, on one occasion, it took a very good early save from Martínez (from Jeremy Sarmiento) to keep the score goalless.
Aside from a good pass and cross in the first 20 minutes, Messi was also relatively quiet in the first 30 minutes. Argentina, as usual, took a while to get going, but as the first half progressed, the more they became accustomed to Ecuador's mid-block and even higher up, when Ecuador went man-to-man, Argentina took notice.
Enzo Fernandez's shot from a counter-attack ended in a corner and set up the opening goal. Messi's cross found Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister inside the area, who sent it in at the far post, where he found Lisandro Martinez unmarked and the Manchester United defender ready to pounce. Argentina took the lead going into the break.
The second half was dramatic as Ecuador earned a penalty after a handball by Rodrigo De Paul in the box. Eventually, Felix Sanchez Bas' men had a chance to equalise. However, Enner Valencia's poor penalty ensured Argentina and Martinez would not score a goal for the entire season. But that quickly changed as Ecuador equalised in added time thanks to Kevin Rodriguez, forcing a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
But that's where DrawingOnce again, he put the spotlight on his team. Especially after Messi missed his Panenka-style shot. The Aston Villa goalkeeper, who has been so important in these situations in the past, both at the Copa America and the World Cup, produced two great attempts. His teammates did the rest with their spot-kicks and, in the end, Argentina emerged victorious.
There is no doubt that coach Lionel Scaloni will probably come away from this match with a sense of caution because he knew his team allowed too many chances and did not impose itself in attack. In fact, Ecuador should have won in 90 minutes. Much to ponder.
But unfortunately, that's for another day, as another spot in the final four is up for grabs. The AlbicelesteThey will now face the winner of Venezuela and Canada.
MANAGER RATING (1-10)
Lionel Scaloni, 5 — He made the changes a little late and even after they came on the field, he struggled to get his team going against a very physical, fast and attacking Ecuadorian midfield, especially Moisés Caicedo, who was everywhere. Argentina won the match, but it was not an easy task and it certainly wasn't because of Scaloni's decisions.
PLAYER RATING (1-10; 10: best. Players entering after 70 minutes are not rated)
GK Emiliano Martinez, 9 — A great save from Jeremy Sarmiento in the 14th minute and he became great, mentally and physically, after Valencia's missed penalty. Then another incredible performance in the penalty shootout with two huge saves. Right now, he's Argentina's most important player. And I'm including Messi.
DF Nahuel Molina, 6 — He didn't have a great start to the first half, as he was caught out by the lack of defending from Ecuador's left back, who kept moving up the lines. But as the match developed, he became more involved in the attacking play, helping Argentina's flanks.
DF Cristian Romero, 6 –– A typical performance of Cutiwhich started with a foul against Valencia, just to show his presence. Overall, he was fine, but not as impressive as he usually is.
DF Lisandro Martinez, 7 — He had a great game, in which he scored his first goal with the Argentine national team thanks to a header in the first half. He left the field in the 78th minute.
DF Nicolas Tagliafico, 6 — A relatively quiet game, with more focus on the defensive aspects of his game. Some good tackles and runs in the second half.
MF Enzo Fernandez, 5– A half-decent header in the first half and another just before the 35th minute when Argentina counter-attacked but it hit the defender. But overall he struggled to compose himself and was overshadowed by Chelsea teammate Caicedo.
MF Alexis Mac Allister, 7 — He cleaned up many of the Argentine midfield's mistakes in the first half, and it was his touch after a Messi corner that set up the opening goal. Licha Martinez. He converted his penalty.
MF Rodrigo De Paul: 6 –– He had an irregular start, he felt the wrath of the Ecuadorian midfield and it was his mistake that led to the penalty. He improved in the second but, in general, he had an average performance.
MF Nicolas Gonzalez: 7– Great play by the Fiorentina striker who moved all over the field from the left wing, did not stop running and was quick to recover all the balls.
Forward Lionel Messi: 5 — A good run and a low cross, plus a great pass from Fernandez in the first half, having not seen many chances but not having as much space for himself and his teammates. However, his corner was the set-up for the goal. His presence obviously had a big impact, but he was still looking for his first goal in the competition. A mistake from Panenka in the shoot-out. Messi also had 32 touches of the ball against Ecuador, according to Opta, which were his fewest in a competitive 90-minute match for Argentina since 2011.
Forward Lautaro Martinez, 5 — After an electrifying start to the tournament, the Inter player did not have much success. He made many runs that went nowhere. He was replaced by Julián Álvarez in the 64th minute.
SUBSTITUTES
Forward Julian Alvarez: 6 — A productive cameo, mainly running and putting pressure on Messi. He had a half-attempt shortly after coming on to the field. He converted his penalty.
DF Nicolas OtamendiN/A
MF Giovanni Lo CelsoN/A
DF Gonzalo MontielN/A — Converted his penalty.
