Argentina Triumphed Over Ecuador in a Penalty Shootout
Argentina win there first World Cup game against Mexico 0 - 2
Argentina and Ecuador faced off in a tense Copa América quarterfinal match on July 4th, 2024. The game ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time, leading to a penalty shootout. Argentina ultimately prevailed 4-2 in the shootout, advancing to the semifinals of the tournament.
The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating chances but struggling to convert them. Argentina took the lead in the 35th minute, when a corner kick from Lionel Messi was headed backward by Alexis Mac Allister and then put into the net by Lisandro Martínez.
Ecuador had a golden opportunity to equalize in the 62nd minute when Enner Valencia stepped up to take a penalty kick. However, his shot hit the left post and bounced away, keeping Argentina in the lead.
In stoppage time, Ecuador finally found their equalizer. Kevin Rodríguez connected with a header in the lower left corner in the 91st minute, stunning the Argentine team and sending the game to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, both teams missed their first penalty kicks. Lionel Messi, playing in his first game since a right groin/adductor injury, missed his attempt, but Argentina was able to convert the rest of their kicks. Ecuador missed two of their next four attempts, allowing Argentina to secure the victory.
The win sends Argentina to the semifinals of the Copa América, where they will face the winner of the quarterfinal match between Venezuela and Canada.
