Copa America: Argentina in semifinals thanks to Dibu Martinez
Argentinian goalkeeper decisive in penalty shootout
Argentina, with difficulty, won the Copa America semifinals. The Albiceleste overcame, on penalties, the excellent Ecuador (1-1 the final after extra time). Hero of the match è was goalkeeper Martinez, decisive in the penalty shootout with two sensational saves that allowed the Albiceleste to continue their path in the tournament.
There were Messi and Lautaro Martinez in the ranks of Argentina, which took the lead at 35'thanks to Lisandro Lopez’s goal. Ecuador doesn't go for it. And, in the recovery, it found the equalizer with Kevin Rodriguez. In extra time, è Ecuador made itself more dangerous but the score did not change. It goes to penalty kicks.
Messi misses the dig (ball on the crossbar). Argentina risked big but was saved thanks to two stratospheric saves by its goalkeeper that thus gave the Albiceleste a pass to the tournament semifinals. Otamendi scored the penalty that eliminated Ecuador.
"In the penalty shootout, the team had total confidence in our goalkeeper and that è was key. After Leo's (Messi, ed.) mistake, with all that it entails for the team, è it was fundamental that our goalkeeper made the difference. It è not nice when you win in this way. Of course, we are happy but it is not è the victory that I like", the words of the CT of Argentina Scaloni reported by ESPN.