Argentina Wins Copa America Quarterfinal on Penalties Against Ecuador

Argentina Wins 4-2 on Penalties

Ecuador Gave Defending Champions a Scare

HOUSTON, Texas (June 21st, 2024) Defending champions Argentina advanced to the semifinals of the Copa America on penalties after a 1-1 draw against Ecuador in the first quarterfinal of the tournament. Argentina won the penalty shootout 4-2.

It was a cagey and tactical affair from the start, with both teams showing plenty of respect for each other. Argentina had the better of the chances in the first half, with Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez both going close. But it was Ecuador who took the lead against the run of play when Enner Valencia headed home from a corner in the 30th minute.

Argentina responded well to going behind and they leveled the scores just before half-time through Giovanni Lo Celso. The second half was a more even affair, with both teams having chances to win it. But neither side could find a winning goal and the game went to penalties.

Argentina converted all four of their penalties, while Ecuador missed two. Emiliano Martínez was the hero for Argentina, saving two penalties. Argentina will now face the winner of the quarterfinal between Brazil and Chile in the semifinals.