ǿմý

Skip to main content

Lionel Messi misses penalty but Argentina still reaches Copa America semifinals

Argentina beat Ecuador on penalties to reach the semifinals. (Agustin Marcarian/Reuters via CNN Newsource)
Argentina beat Ecuador on penalties to reach the semifinals. (Agustin Marcarian/Reuters via CNN Newsource)
Share

Goalkeeper Emi Martínez was the hero for Argentina as La Albiceleste reached the Copa America semifinals with a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Ecuador following a 1-1 draw.

Argentina led for most of the match in Houston, Texas, after Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez headed home from a corner on 35 minutes.

But Ecuador found an equalizer in stoppage time when Kevin Rodríguez glanced his header into the bottom corner from John Yeboah’s whipped cross.

La Tri then had a glorious chance to win the match just minutes later, but Jordy Caicedo put his header wide of the post from just six yards out.

With no extra time, the match went straight to penalties and Lionel Messi missed with the first attempt of the shootout, his Panenka effort hitting the top of the crossbar.

However, Martínez saved Ecuador’s next two penalties from Ángel Mena and Alan Minda as Argentina scored its next four to spare Messi’s blushes and book a place in the semifinals, where the team will face the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal between Venezuela and Canada.

Martínez, who has developed a reputation as a penalty shootout specialist, performed his trademark dance after brilliantly keeping out Minda’s spot kick.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper has faced 24 penalties for Argentina and has conceded just 12 of them, including nine saves, per the BBC.

"I work to do this," Martínez said after the game, per the Argentina Football Association. “I dive 500 times per training session. We always have to give our best, the people deserve it.

"They made things very difficult for us. They played a great game, very physical. We knew they were going to be one of the toughest rivals in the cup, but I wasn’t ready to go home. This group deserved to continue.

"These are special moments, being with our people, [a stadium] full of Argentines. We didn’t play the game that the people wanted to see, but luckily, we won."

CTVNews.ca ǿմý

WATCH LIVE

WATCH LIVE

The two people who died in a major fire in Old Montreal on Friday were a mother and her seven-year-old daughter, sources told Noovo Info.

The sentencing of the man who pleaded guilty in the deadly hit-and-run in Kitsilano two years ago began on Friday.

A 30-year-old northwestern Ontario woman has been charged with arson following a structure fire Thursday night, police say.

Ontario Provincial Police have laid stunt charges against a driver caught speeding 75 km/h over the speed limit on Highway 417 in Ottawa's west end.

Travelling on a budget can be stressful, but there are ways you can ensure you're getting the best deal on flights as the holiday season approaches.

Local Spotlight

Chantal Kreviazuk is set to return to Winnipeg to mark a major milestone in her illustrious musical career.

From the beaches of Cannes to the bustling streets of New York City, a new film by a trio of Manitoba directors has toured the international film festival circuit to much pomp and circumstance.

A husband and wife have been on the road trip of a lifetime and have decided to stop in Saskatchewan for the winter.

The grave of a previously unknown Canadian soldier has been identified as a man from Hayfield, Man. who fought in the First World War.

A group of classic car enthusiasts donated hundreds of blankets to nursing homes in Nova Scotia.

Moving into the second week of October, the eastern half of Canada can expect some brisker fall air to break down from the north

What does New Westminster's təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre have in common with a historic 68,000-seat stadium in Beijing, an NFL stadium and the aquatics venue for the Paris Olympics? They've all been named among the world's most beautiful sports venues for 2024.

The last living member of the legendary Vancouver Asahi baseball team, Kaye Kaminishi, died on Saturday, Sept. 28, surrounded by family. He was 102 years old.

New data from Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley shows a surge in supply and drop in demand in the region's historically hot real estate market.

Stay Connected