Then, again, the unthinkable happened. With one last chance in stoppage time to bring the game level and force a penalty shootout, After John Yeboah lofts a last-ditch cross into the box, Kevin Rodriguez powers through the 18, leaps into the air, and flicks an incredible header past his marker. It beats Martinez, bouncing narrowly into the right corner.
Frenzied celebrations commence. Beers are thrown, dark blue confetti is popped, and manager Néstor Lorenzo hops up and down before embracing his backroom staff. After a lengthy VAR check, officials rule everything is fine and the goals are fair. After a chaotic three minutes of back-and-forth running, the game finally reached penalties.
Thrilling shootout ends with Argentina on top
First up to the penalty spot was Lionel Messi, who had a muted night and struggled to get involved. Messi fooled keeper Alexander Dominguez with a clever Panenka, but his attempt unfortunately met the crossbar. It capped off a frustrating night.
Mena took his penalty next, but Martinez came up with an incredible save to keep the shootout level at 0-0. Alvarez scored the first penalty of the shootout. Dominguez guessed the right way, but Alvarez’s shot was too high and too wide for him to reach. Alvarez wheeled off in celebration, evidently relieved and optimistic.
After Alan Minda saw his shot blocked — and some Martinez hip thrusts — Mac Allister took his penalty. Dominguez guessed the wrong way, but even if he dove the right way, MacAllister’s penalty was still spot-on. He tucks the ball right in the bottom right corner. Chef’s kiss.
Colombia’s John Yeboah rocketed his shot to the top right corner, sending Martinez completely the wrong way. However, Argentina’s Gonzalo Montiel sent Dominiguez the wrong way. He playfully celebrates, leaving Ecuador needing a goal, a save, and a goal in the next three events.
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“/> After Jordy Caicedo narrowly beats out Martinez and converts his penalty, it’s Argentina veteran Nicolas Otamendi who steps up with the game on the line. He stutters, drags his foot, and takes the penalty, neatly tucking it into the bottom left corner. Dominiguez has no chance!
The Houston crowd yells louder than it did for Martinez with his opener or Rodriguez with his equalizer. Even though Ecuador played the better match and was merely inches away from advancing, Argentina played their typical style of play, kept their tempo, and enjoyed the rewards.
After their win over Ecuador, Argentina will face either Venezuela or Canada in the semifinals. Ecuador will play their next match in September, a World Cup qualifying match against Brazil.
PHOTOS: IMAGO.
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/amp/copa-america/argentina-barely-hangs-on-in-shootout-win-over-ecuador/
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Publish date : 2024-07-05 00:02:22
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