Emiliano Martinez was once again Argentina’s hero in the penalty shootout win over Ecuador in the Copa America quarter-finals. The goalkeeper made two crucial saves, especially after Lionel Messi missed the first penalty.
After a 1-1 draw in normal time, Martinez saved penalties from Angel Mena and Alan Minda, putting Ecuador in trouble and helping Argentina advance to the semi-finals. Earlier, Ecuador captain Enner Valencia had also missed a penalty, thanks to pressure from Martinez.
“I told the boys I wasn’t ready to go home. Neither were they”, Martinez said after being named man of the match. “We’re champions of the world and South America; this team deserved to keep going.”
Martinez has an impressive record in penalty shootouts, having won all four he has appeared in for Argentina, including the 2022 World Cup final against France. “I work for it, I train 500 times a day”, he added.
Rodrigo De Paul praised Martinez: “What he is doing is incredible. He deserves it. He loves wearing these colours and he gives us a lot of confidence.“
Argentina will face either Canada or Venezuela in the semi-finals in search of their 16th consecutive world title.