Copa America: Argentina defeats Ecuador on penalties; reaches semis

Houston, US: In the Copa America 2024 quarterfinals, Argentina overcame Ecuador 4-2 on penalties to book their spot in the semifinals for the fifth time in a row.

The semifinal match between Argentina and the winner of Venezuela vs Canada is scheduled for this Friday. On July 9, the Semifinal game will take place at East Rutherford, New Jersey's MetLife Stadium.

Despite the reigning champion's possession at the NRG Stadium, Ecuador was more dangerous, with the first three shots of the match, including a critical save by Emiliano Martinez on a Sarmiento shot.

Argentina's first good chances came through Enzo Fernandez: a header and a counterattack leading to a corner. From Messi's corner, Lisandro Martinez's second header, following Mac Allister's, was saved by Alexander Domínguez but had already crossed the goal line.

In the final play of the first half, a run by Nicolas Gonzalez gave Albiceleste a chance for a second goal, but the Ecuadorian defence managed to regroup and neutralise the threat. Scaloni's team went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.

The second half began with a slower pace but remained highly contested. In the 55th minute, Lautaro Martínez created an opportunity after a long ball from Dibu Martinez. The tournament's top scorer controlled it with his chest, turned, and narrowly missed with a left-footed shot just wide of Dominguez's goal.

Ecuador unsettled Argentina with wide play and earned a penalty after Rodrigo de Paul's handball, but Enner Valencia's shot hit the post, sparking Argentine celebrations.

Felix Sanchez's team pushed forward but failed to create clear chances until stoppage time when Kevin Rodriguez's header from a Yeboah cross tied the match 1-1, the first goal Argentina conceded in the Copa America.

In the penalty shootout, Messi hit the crossbar, but Dibu Martinez saved shots from Mena and Minda. Julian Alvarez scored, securing Argentina's progress.