Player rating: Martinez shines in penalty shootout as Argentina wins

HOUSTON, Texas — On America’s Independence Day, Lionel Messi’s Argentina wanted to provide fireworks for their fans with a quarterfinal victory, but just like the 2022 World Cup final, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was the hero, making two great saves to win a dramatic penalty shootout against Ecuador and secure a spot in the Copa America semifinals on Thursday night.

Messi, who missed Argentina’s final group game against Peru because of a muscle injury, returned to the starting line-up and led the defending World Cup and Copa America champions to a victory over their South American rivals in a hard-fought match in Houston. But it wasn’t an easy game for Argentina, and despite dominating the ball, there were numerous occasions when Ecuador should have had more of the advantage.

Immediately after the start of the match La Tricolore Their left flank pressed the Argentine backline, constantly catching full-back Nahuel Molina off guard – in fact, on one occasion, a goal would not have been scored had it not been for a superb save from Martinez (from Jeremy Sarmiento) just before the break.

Apart from one good drive and cross in the first 20 minutes, Messi was relatively quiet for the first 30. Argentina took a little time to get going as they normally do, but as the first half dragged on, they got used to Ecuador’s man-to-man attacking midfield block and further up the field, and Argentina caught on.

The opener came when Enzo Fernández’s shot after a counterattack was blocked, leading to a corner kick. Messi’s cross found Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister in the box, who flicked it to the far post for an unmarked Lisandro Martinez, with Manchester United’s defenders primed to attack. Argentina were ahead by the end of the first half.

The second half was full of drama, with Ecuador winning a penalty after Rodrigo De Paul handled the ball in the box, giving Félix Sánchez Bas’s side a chance to finally equalise. However, an unlucky penalty from Enel Valencia meant Argentina and Martinez were searching for a clean sheet all season. Things quickly changed, however, as Ecuador equalised in added time thanks to Kevin Rodriguez, setting up a dramatic penalty kick-out.

However, there Dibonce again saved his team, especially after Messi’s failed Panenka attempt. The Aston Villa goalkeeper, who has played such a key role in such situations in the past, both in the Copa America and the World Cup, scored two excellent shots before his teammate converted the remaining shot with a spot kick that ultimately secured the victory for Argentina.

Lionel Scaloni will no doubt leave this game with a sense of caution, knowing his team conceded too many chances and failed to show its offensive potential. In fact, Ecuador should have won after 90 minutes. Scaloni has a lot to think about.

But alas, that’s another day, another Final Four spot awaits. La AlbicelesteThey will next face the winner of the match between Venezuela and Canada.

Manager Rating (1-10)

Lionel Scaloni, 5 — Scaloni made substitutions a little too late and struggled to motivate his team to deal with a very physical, fast and forward-thinking Ecuadorian midfield, especially with Moises Caicedo all over the place. Argentina won the game, but it wasn’t easy and certainly not thanks to Scaloni’s decisions.

Player rating (1-10, 10 being the best. No rating for players brought on after the 70th minute)

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 9 — He made a big save from Jeremy Sarmiento in the 14th minute, and then came in strong mentally and physically after Valencia missed the penalty. He then made two big saves in the shootout and put in another great performance. At this point, he’s the most important player in Argentina, including Messi.

Defender Nahuel Molina, 6 — He didn’t start too well in the first half, struggling to play his role defensively as Ecuador’s left flank kept breaking through their lines, but as the game progressed he was more involved in the forward play and helped Argentina in the wide areas.

Defender Cristian Romero, 6 –– Typical performance KutiHe made his presence felt against Valencia after coming on after a foul, and although he wasn’t bad overall, he wasn’t as impressive as usual.

Defender Lisandro Martinez, 7 — It was a great game. He scored his first goal for Argentina with a header in the first half. He was substituted in the 78th minute.

Defender Nicolas Tagliafico, 6 — It was a relatively quiet game and he focused on the defensive side of things, with some good tackles and runs in the second half.

Midfielder Enzo Fernández, 5– He had a decent header in the first half and also saw his header deflected off a defender on an Argentina counter attack just before the 35th minute, but overall he struggled to regain his composure and was beaten by Chelsea team-mate Caicedo.

Midfielder Alexis McAllister, 7 — They corrected many of Argentina’s midfield mistakes in the first half and scored the opening goal with a flick on from Messi’s corner kick. Richa Martinez. He scored the penalty.

Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul: 6 –– A shaky start to the game drew the ire of the Ecuadorian midfield and his error led to a penalty. He improved in the second half but overall it was a decent performance.

Midfielder Nicolas Gonzalez: 7– The Fiorentina attacker showed great shifts from the left wing, moving all over the pitch, never stopping to run and doing his best to win back every ball.

Forward Lionel Messi: 5 — Although he didn’t have many chances in the first half, he played a great pass to Fernández, who then delivered a low cross, which left him and his teammates with too little space to maneuver. However, his corner kick set up the goal. His presence has clearly made a big impact, but he is still searching for his first goal of the tournament. He missed a Panenka in the penalty shootout. Messi had 32 touches of the ball against Ecuador (according to Opta), the fewest touches in a 90-minute official match for Argentina since 2011.

Forward Lautaro Martinez, 5 — After a shocking start to the tournament, it was a quiet game for the Inter player, with plenty of runs but nothing of note, and he was replaced by Julián Álvarez in the 64th minute.

Replacement

Forward Julian Alvarez: 6 — A productive cameo, mainly to make runs and apply pressure for Messi, and he came on and immediately took a shot on half-time, scoring a penalty.

Defender Nicolas OtamendiN/A

Midfielder Giovani Lo CelsoN/A

Defender Gonzalo MontielN/A — Successfully took a penalty kick.