Argentina is advancing after a 1-1 win over Ecuador that ended with penalty kicks in Copa América on Thursday.
After a strong showing in the group stages, the defending Copa América champions had to deal with plenty of stress against Ecuador but ultimately punched a ticket to the semifinals, where it will face the winner of Canada vs. Venezuela.
After Argentina’s victory, here’s a look at the updated bracket, a recap of the match and the schedule moving forward:
Quarterfinal
- Argentina def. Ecuador (1-1); Will face winner of Canada vs. Venezuela
- Canada vs. Venezuela; Winner faces Argentina
- Columbia vs. Panama; Will face winner of Uruguay vs. Brazil
- Uruguay vs. Brazil; Will face winner of Columbia vs. Panama
Argentina 1, Ecuador 1 (Argentina wins 4-2 on Penalties)
It was a defensive battle for most of the first half, but Argentina managed to find the back of the net in the 34th minute to take a 1-0 lead before the break. In a beautifully executed corner kick, Lisandro Martínez found himself with a clear shot at the goal and scored off a header.
ARGENTINA BREAKS THROUGH 🔥
Lisandro Martínez scores his first goal for Argentina at the perfect time 👏🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/iGKgRVLUk7
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
Another look at that set piece from Argentina for the lead 🇦🇷🤩 pic.twitter.com/qkkBTAipPu
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
Argentina’s Enzo Fernández later had a clear look at a goal in the first half, but instead went for a cross that ended up nowhere near the goal.
Enzo Fernández is gonna want this one back 😅 pic.twitter.com/C4Nq7Xus8V
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
Ecuador had a golden opportunity to score early in the second half when it was awarded a penalty kick after Argentina was called for a handball in the box. Ecuador sent veteran Enner Valencia to take the shot, but he missed it off the post.
PENALTY FOR ECUADOR 😱 pic.twitter.com/MdpzvM4wVv
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
HE MISSED IT 😱
Enner Valencia hits the post on the penalty for Ecuador 🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/Z86kJPX7k2
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
Lionel Messi, who set the record for the most minutes played in Copa América history during the match, had his chance to score, but Ecuador managed to keep him out of the net to keep the score at 1-0.
Messi gets his chance in front of goal, but is denied by Domínguez 🧤 pic.twitter.com/Dfh2XtJeTN
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
Ecuador was seemingly set to face elimination, but a miraculous goal in extra time kept its hopes alive. A perfect cross from John Yeboah found Kevin Rodríguez, who headed it past the keeper.
ECUADOR SCORES IN STOPPAGE TIME 🔥😱
WE ARE NOW MINUTES AWAY FROM PENALTY KICKS 🤯 pic.twitter.com/7yyEZQaHUa
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
Ecuador had a great chance for the game-winner in extra time, but the attempt went just wide.
OOOOHH MY
ECUADOR IS LOOKING FOR A WINNER IN STOPPAGE TIME HERE pic.twitter.com/CrAdhSSDrA
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
An exciting penalty shootout saw Argentina make four shots while Ecuador could only make two, allowing Argentina to advance to the semifinal.
ARGENTINA IS GOING TO THE SEMIFINALS 🇦🇷
🇦🇷: ❌✅✅✅✅
🇪🇨: ❌❌✅✅ pic.twitter.com/OwULuj6kUd— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
Upcoming Schedule
Friday, July 5
Knockout Stage Quarterfinal: Venezuela vs. Canada, 9 p.m. ET, FS1
Saturday, July 6
Knockout Stage Quarterfinal: Colombia vs. Panama, 6 p.m. ET, FS1
Knockout Stage Quarterfinal: Uruguay vs. Brazil, 9 p.m. ET, FS1
Tuesday, July 9
Knockout Stage Semifinal: QF1 Winner vs. QF2 Winner, 8 p.m. ET, FS1
Wednesday, July 10
Knockout Stage Semifinal: QF3 Winner vs. QF4 Winner, 8 p.m. ET, FS1
Saturday, July 13
Third-Place Match: SF1 Loser vs. SF2 Loser, 8 p.m. ET, FS1
Sunday, July 14
Championship Final: SF1 Winner vs. SF2 Winner, 8 p.m. ET, Fox
Argentina is making a strong case to defend its title after a win over a tough Ecuador team, but it could get a worthy opponent in either Canada or Venezuela. Friday’s matchup between the two will be telling of what kind of trouble Argentina will have in the semifinal.
