Argentina have qualified for the semi-finals of Copa America 2024 after seeing off Ecuador in a heated quarter-final clash, MySportDab reports.
The defending champions dominated play but Ecuador stemmed the tides and mounted a formidable response as well.
Things got off to a fiery start as the Albiceleste looked to ease past the Ecuadorians. A slew of chances saw the defending champions come close to the opening goal but it was still a deadlock until the 35th minute. Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister had found Man United defender Lisandro Martinez, who beat the Ecuadorian goalkeeper to give Argentina the lead.
The goal separated the two sides in the game at the break.
In the second half, Ecuador stepped up their game immensely. They contained advances by the Argentines and were making incredible strides on the attack.
While the Albiceleste failed to add to the lead and secure the win, Ecuador were mounting intense pressure going forward.
Despite the nervy final minutes, Argentina crossed the regulation time still maintaining the lead. However, they were finally dealt a blow when Rodriguez scored in the second minute of stoppage time to draw the game level at the death.
The late goal by Rodriguez dragged the game straight into penalties. Recall extra time has been canceled in the Copa America 2024 knockout.
Lionel Messi was the first to take the spot-kick and he missed it. Nevertheless, Argentina went on to snatch victory as Emiliano Martinez saved two spot-kicks to secure a 4-2 shout-out victory for the team.
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