(sabasports report)Argentina take on Ecuador in Houston in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Copa America. Argentina took advantage of a corner in the first half when Alexis Mac Allister set up Lisandro Martinez to head home a 1-0 halftime lead. Rodrigo De Paul handed the point early in the second half, but Ecuador captain Enner Valencia’s penalty was denied by the post. Ecuador’s substitute Kevin Rodriguez scored an equalizer in stoppage time to take the game 1-1 to penalties. Argentina won 4-2 on penalties and 5-3 on aggregate to reach the last four after goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez twice saved a penalty kick from Lionel Messi.
Argentina won all three of their matches in the group stage to qualify at the top. Cristian Romero was paired with Lissandro in central defense, with Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Tagliafico on either side, Depaul, McAllister, Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Gonzalez fill the midfield. Messi, who was rested for the final group game, returned to the starting line with the outstanding Lautaro Martinez. For Ecuador, Moises Caicedo is in midfield, with 34-year-old Enna Valencia starting in front.