Argentina reached the Copa America semi-finals thanks to 'Dibu' Martínez [Video]

‘El Dibu’ Martínez saved Argentina’s day in a difficult quarter-final match against Ecuador in the Copa América. In front of a stadium dominated by the presence of the Albiceleste in Houston, the current continental and world champions overcame a fierce Ecuador.

Ecuador leaves with its head held high, but with the feeling that it will hardly ever have a better chance to reach the semi-finals, because it even missed a penalty in the second half, which was sent off the post by its captain Enner Valencia.

And, supported by the spectacular physical display of Moisés Caicedo, the Tri occupied the field better, deactivated the Argentine midfielders and was not afraid to attack the rival area. The world champion found itself in an unusual situation in this tournament; after 20 minutes, it had not shot on goal and the rival had had two good scoring opportunities in a row.

The first one with Jeremy Sarmiento alone against Emiliano Martínez was blocked by ‘El Dibu’ with his feet. Immediately after, Kendry Páez sent a clear ball high to the edge of the area, after fifteen minutes.

As against Chile, it was after a corner kick that had forced a great pass from Messi – in his only relevant action in the opening period – and the subsequent run by Enzo Pérez towards Alexander Domínguez’s goal.

William Pacho crossed in time to force the corner, but in the next play, the corner kick was extended by a header to the far post by Alexis Mac Allister. And then Lisandro appeared unmarked to change the course of the match (m.36).

Ecuador could have found its reward in the 61st minute, with a penalty committed by Rodrigo de Paul after a corner kick, but the aura of invincibility that accompanies the ‘Dibu’ begins to affect the rivals. Enner Valencia, with the Argentine goalkeeper facing the opposite side, sent the ball into the post.

Scaloni’s men saved the most difficult moment and Messi then had a good chance, but the captain’s shot from inside the area, very centered and without power, was easily saved by Domínguez. More active in the second half, Messi did not suffer but neither did he give the impression of being at 100 percent.

Félix Sánchez tried to change the dynamic from the bench and he did so thanks to a header from Kevin Rodríguez, but the shootout turned against him when he was at his best. After Messi missed his penalty.

Emiliano Martinez became a figure

Emiliano Martínez then emerged to deflect Mena’s shot and set up a series that was put on the right track by another mistake by Alan Minda, after Julián Álvarez had scored, and which was then passed to the Albiceleste with accurate shots from Mac Allister, Montiel and Otamendi.

Scaloni’s team is already in the semifinals and will return to Metlife in East Rutherford to play against the winner of Venezuela-Canada.

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