The holders Argentina superior to the Copa America semi-finals, beating Ecuador 4-2 on penalty kicks following a 1-1 attract Texas.
Lionel Messi missed Argentina’s first penalty however was reprieved by goalkeeper Emi Martínez, who saved Ecuador’s first two efforts.
Lisandro Martínez had given Argentina the lead 10 minutes earlier than half-time, however Kevin Rodríguez equalised with an outstanding header in damage time on the finish of the second half.
Ecuador’s captain Enner Valencia had earlier hit the submit from the penalty spot after a handball by Rodrigo De Paul.
With Argentina going first within the shootout, Messi tried a Panenka and hit the crossbar.
Martínez, the goalkeeper in Argentina’s shootout win over France within the 2022 World Cup remaining, then saved kicks from Ángel Mena and Alan Minda.
Julián Álvarez and Alexis Mac Allister transformed to place Argentina forward 2-0, and after John Yeboah, Gonzalo Montiel and Jordy Caicedo all scored, Nicolas Otamendi struck the successful penalty.
Otamendi had come on as substitute for Lisandro Martínez, who put Argentina forward within the thirty fifth minute with a header after Mac Allister flicked on Messi’s nook kick.
Rodríguez scored when he headed in fellow substitute Yeboah’s cross. Jordy Caicedo then missed a good chance to attain a dramatic winner within the seventh minute of added time.
Argentina will now play both Canada or Venezuela within the semi-final on Tuesday.
