Argentina defeats Ecuador in penalty shootout to advance to Copa América semifinals
Argentina 14, Ecuador 12 (on penalties)
Nicolás Otamendi scored the winning penalty as Argentina defeated Ecuador 14-12 in a penalty shootout to advance to the semifinals of the Copa América on Thursday. The match was tied 1-1 after regulation and extra time.
Argentina will face Brazil in the semifinals on Tuesday. Ecuador was eliminated from the tournament.
Argentina took the lead in the match in the 12th minute when Lionel Messi scored a penalty kick. Ecuador equalized in the 30th minute when Enner Valencia scored a header.
The match remained tied through the end of regulation and extra time, so it went to a penalty shootout. Argentina converted all five of its penalties, while Ecuador missed two.
Otamendi scored the winning penalty in the bottom right corner of the net. Argentina's players and staff celebrated on the field, while Ecuador's players were left heartbroken.
Argentina is now one win away from reaching the Copa América final. The team will be confident heading into the match against Brazil, which is also a South American powerhouse.
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