GK Emiliano Martínez, 9 — A big save in the 14th minute from Jeremy Sarmiento and made himself big — mentally and physically — after Valencia’s missed penalty. Then, another incredible performance in the shootout with two massive saves. At this point, he is Argentina’s most important player. And I am including Messi.
DF Nahuel Molina, 6 — Not a great start in the first half, being caught off his defending duties as Ecuador’s left-hand side continued to push through the lines. But as the game developed, he got more involved in the forward-thinking play, helping Argentina’s wide areas.
DF Cristian Romero, 6 — A typical performance from Cuti, which started on a foul against Valencia, just to show his presence. Overall, he was okay, but not as impressive as he usually is.
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DF Lisandro Martínez, 7 — A great game, finding his first-ever goal for Argentina thanks to his headed attempt in the first half. Came off in the 78th minute.
DF Nicolás Tagliafico, 6 — Relatively quiet game, where he was more focused on the defensive aspects of his game. Some good tackles and runs in the second half.
MF Enzo Fernández, 5 — A half-decent header in the first half and another just before the 35th minute as Argentina countered, but hit the defender. Overall, he struggled slightly to compose himself and was outshone by his Chelsea teammate Caicedo.
MF Alexis Mac Allister, 7 — Cleaned up a lot of mistakes from Argentina’s midfield in the first half, and it was his flick from Messi’s corner that set up the opener from Licha Martínez. Converted his penalty.
MF Rodrigo De Paul: 6 — An inconsistent start to the game, felt the wrath of Ecuador’s midfield, and it was his mistake that led to the penalty. Improved in the second, but overall, a so-so performance.
MF Nicolás Gonzalez: 7– A great shift from the Fiorentina attacker who would move all over the pitch from the left-hand side. Did not stop running and hustled to get every ball back.
FW Lionel Messi: 5 — One decent run and a low-ball cross as well as a great ball for Fernández in the first half after not seeing many chances, but didn’t have as much space for him and his teammates. His corner was the setup for the goal, however. His presence was obviously still a massive impact but still looking for his first goal in the competition. A missed panenka in the shootout. Messi also had 32 ball touches against Ecuador, per Opta, which were his fewest in a competitive 90-minute match for Argentina since 2011.
FW Lautaro Martínez, 5 — After an electrifying start to the tournament, it was a quiet game for the Internazionale man. Lots of runs that didn’t really go anywhere. Replaced by Julián Álvarez in the 64th minute.
SUBSTITUTES
FW Julián Álvarez: 6 — A productive cameo, mainly there to do the running and pressing for Messi. Had a half-attempt moments after coming on. Converted his penalty.
DF Nicolås Otamendi, N/A
MF Giovani Lo Celso, N/A
DF Gonzalo Montiel, N/A — Converted his penalty.
Source link : https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40497731/player-ratings-martinez-excels-penalties-argentina-win
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Publish date : 2024-07-05 00:04:00
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