Argentina 1-1 Ecuador: Penalty shootout win, summary, score, goals, highlights Copa América
Argentina - Ecuador: As it happened
Argentina battled their way into the semi-finals of Copa America with a hard-fought victory over Ecuador on Thursday.
Ecuador put the world champions under pressure from the very start but they were unable to take advantage of their many forays into the box. Instead it was Argentina who found the opener, Lisandro Martinez nodding home after a Lionel Messi corner kick had snuck through to the back post.
Argentina led at the break but Ecuador began the second half in a positive vein and looked to have found a leveller when they were awarded a penalty after Rodrigo de Paul handled in the box. Captain Enner Valencia stepped up confidently but his spot kick cannoned back off the post. It looked like it wasn’t going to be Ecuador’s day but they stunned Argentina with a dramatic late leveller, Kevin Rodriguez’ shot creeping in at the back post.
The game went straight to penalties and, despite Lionel Messi hitting the crossbar, some goalkeeping heroics from Emiliano Martinez gave Argentina the advantage in the shootout. Nicolas Otamendi stepped up to take the fifth penalty and his conversion sent Argentina into the Copa America semi-finals.
Argentina's incredible run continues
Under the guidance of Lionel Scaloni Argentina have enjoyed a historic period of success. That run began with the 2021 Copa America, La Albiceleste’s first major tournament triumph in 28 years. One year later, the big one; Argentina lifted the World Cup in Qatar to finally deliver the trophy that had eluded Lionel Messi.
They have lost just one game since the infamous loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening game of the tournament back in 2022. That defeat came las November in a World Cup qualifying loss to Uruguay. Despite that reversal Argentina still find themselves top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table and they now progress to the semi-finals of Copa America.
Nicolas Otamendi - Scores!
He slots it away and Argentina are into the semi-finals of Copa America!
Jordy Caicedo - Scores
The Ecuadorian forward makes no mistake. Argentina can win it with this next penalty...
Montiel - Scores!
Ice cool penalty from Molina, who has form for that sort of thing.
Alexis Mac Allister - Scores
The Liverpool midfielder coolly slots it into the bottom corner.
Alan Minda - Misses
He's done it again! Emiliano Martinez makes another stunning save.
Julian Alvarez - Scores
Goalkeeper guesses the right way but the Man City forward rifles it into the top corner.
Angel Mena - Misses
The substitute hits the kick firmly but Martinez makes a stunning diving save!
Lionel Messi - Misses
The captain tries a panenka and hits the crossbar! Incredible!
It's going to be Argentina to take their penalty first. Lionel Messi approaches the penalty spot...
Wondering why there's no extra time? Here's everything you need to know about the tie-breaker rules for Copa America...
We're going to penalties!
No extra-time, this quarter-final will be decided by a penalty shoot-out!
Massive chance for Jordy Caicedo!
The Ecuadorian substitute ghosts into the Argentina box and meets a perfect cross from the left. He tries to glance the ball past Martinez but Caicedo gets it all wrong, missing the target from eight yards out.
That was the game!
Ecuador are still pushing here and look the more likely to find a winner! Argentina are rattled, can Ecuador deliver the knockout blow??
Ecuador stun Argentina with late leveller!
We're heading for extra-time at NRG Stadium as Ecuador drag themselves back from the bring.
A cross in from the right flank from Rodriguez appeared to evade everyone and nestle in the far corner of the Argentina goal. We're all square!
There will be five minutes of added time at the end of the second half. Five minutes for Ecuador to save their tournament.
Emiliano Martinez punts the ball forward but they can't make it stick and Ecuador come flooding back up field. A long ball forward towards Yeboah is a little aimless and Martinez claims it gratefully.
Moises Caicedo is penalised for a clumsy foul on Molina on the edge of his own box. First signs of frustration for Ecuador, there.
The Argentina players are not happy that their counter-attack was halted but that was quite a whack for Romero. The referee was right to stop the game.
The Spurs man will be fine to continue, Argentina will resume play with the ball.
The free kick is struck firmly by Jordy Caicedo but it thumps into the chest of Christian Romero, who immediately goes down. Argentina try to break but the referee pulls it back to check on Romero's health.
We're into the final ten minutes now and Argentina are still looking shaky.
Yeboah bursts towards the Argentina box and is felled by Tagliafico. It's a free kick to Ecuador 25 yards from goal, in a very dangerous position.
Ecuador substitution
Big change for Ecuador as the captain is removed. At the same time, Gruezo makes way for Yeboah.
Nicolas Gonzalez
Now the Argentinian goes into the book for a mistimed challenge. Legs are tiring, it's starting to get a bit heated now.
Moises Caicedo
The Ecuadorian midfielder is booked for appealing, a little too forcefully, for a free kick on the edge of the box. In his defence it looked like a decent claim but he was overly zealous in his appeal.
Ecuador are still pushing for the leveller as we approach the final 15 minutes of normal time. They are starting to look a little tired but Alan Franco is trying to get his team going in the midfield, dropping deep to help build the play.
Clever touch from De Paul to flick the ball down the right flank and draw a foul near the touchline. Argentina win the free kick, they've got a chance to deliver from out wide...
Argentina have a chance to break and Messi does well to bring it forward, slipping the ball to Enzo on the edge of the box. The Chelsea man is quickly pounced upon and Ecuador clear for a throw-in.
Lionel Messi does well to hold the ball up for Argentina but his cross is blocked.
Moments later he picks up the loose ball in the box but Messi's shot is straight at Dominguez.
Good work from Nico Gonzalez to win his side a throw-in near the Ecuadorian corner flag. Argentina need to ease the pressure in the next few minutes.
First change of the game sees Julian Alvarez replace Lautaro Martinez for Argentina.
VAR decision - No encroachment
Nope, no Argentina player transgressed and the penalty will not be retaken.
On we go, Argentina lead 1-0!
VAR check - Encroachment
It's all happening now! We're going to check if any of the Argentina players had encroached into the box before Valencia struck that penalty.
If so, it'll have to be retaken!
Penalty missed!
Enner Valencia's penalty hits the post!
It'll be team captain Enner Valencia to take it...
Penalty Ecuador!
Rodrigo de Paul is penalised for a handball in the box! It looked a little harsh, but you do expect to see those given these day.
Massive chance for Ecuador to level.
Argentina are struggling to get control of the game in this second half. Ecuador are pressing them all over the pitch and winning the ball back successfully. Argentina need to get their foot on the ball for a few minutes and take a bit of momentum from this Ecuadorian team.
The corner kick is whipped in by Caicedo but its claimed, comfortably, by Martinez in the Argentina goal.
Enner Valencia wins his team a corner kick with his hassling runs. He's been pretty effective so far, albeit a little fortunate to still be on the field.
Happily, both Romero and Caicedo are back on the field and look to be fine to continue.
Both players have now hobbled off the field. Let's see if they are able to continue...
Another look at that incident. Romero was trying to clear the ball but his follow-through smashed into the shin/knee of Caicedo.
It didn't look to be intentional but it would certainly have been painful for the Ecuadorian. It looks like he'll have to come off here, a major blow for Felix Sanchez.
There's concern as Moises Caicedo and Cristian Romero clash in the Argentina half, leaving both players sprawled on the floor.
Medical staff races on to help them immediately.
Ecuador are playing particularly direct now, looking to catch Argentina in the counter attacks and make the most of Caicedo's ability to race onto knock-downs from Valencia.
It's not long ball. It's just good, high-octane play.
Lively start from Ecuador who pinch the ball off Argentina more than once in the first minute of the second half. They won't go quietly here, you can be sure.
And we're back!
Ecuador get the second half underway, going in search of a leveller...
Ecuador threatened in opening stages
Argentina have now managed to nudge themselves ahead but it wasn't all plain sailing in Houston. Ecuador have looked dangerous on the counter-attack and have troubled the Argentinian backline at times.
Lionel Scaloni will be happy to be ahead, but it was far from perfect from Argentina in the opening 45 minutes.
Tasty finish from Lisandro Martinez
The Argentina defender has his side ahead with a neatly-placed header from a corner kick. Lionel Messi's corner was flicked to the back post and Martinez was on hand to nod the ball home.
Halftime at NRG Stadium!
That's all from a well-fought first half in Houston. Argentina lead Ecuador thanks to a headed goal from Lisandro Martinez.
Ecuador look to force a late chance with Jeremy Sarmiento on the left flank, showing great feet to dance his way into the box. Argentina eventually manage to stop his progress and clear for a throw-in.
There will be two minutes of added time.
Enner Valencia flies into another callenge and leaves Enzo Fernandez crumpled on the floor. Having already received a booking, Valencia is lucky to get away within receiving a second there.
Remember, the Ecuador captain was actually sent off in his side's Copa America opener. He's getting close to a second red card in three appearances in this tournament.
Brilliant work from Nico Gonzalez to doggedly track Willian Pacho and win the ball back on the edge of the Ecuador box. For a second it looks like a chance to counter-attack but Ecuador get back well and swamp the space.
Now we get a rendition of 'Muchachos' from the Argentinian fans inside NRG Stadium this evening. That won't be the last time we hear that.
That's exactly what Argentina needed, something that will force Ecuador to come out and play a bit more openly. It was a clever back post run from Martinez and a lethal finish to flick the ball past Dominguez.
GOOOOAAAAAAL! Lisandro Martinez
Messi swung in the corner kick and The defender was there to nod the ball home at the back post. Brilliant header from a tight angle from Martinez.
Argentina lead!
Brilliant ball from Lionel Messi to clip a ball over the top for Enzo Fernandez. The Chelsea man sprints through on goal, bundles one defender to the ground, before seeing his shot deflected off another.
Corner kick to Argentina.
Neat one-touch play from Argentina in the Ecuadorian half. Lionel Scaloni's men are building in confidence and starting to look more dangerous.
And with that, Tagliafico takes a heavy touch and allows the ball to spin ahead of him and out for a goal kick.
Enner Valencia
He's back on his feet and he's back on the offensive. The first booking of the game goes to the Ecuadorian skipper for a clumsy late challenge on Mac Allister on the halfway line.
Enner Valencia
The big striker is down again on the halfway line after an aerial collision with Romero. Once again, however, Valencia gets back up.
Close from Enzo!
Argentina break and make space for Molina on the right flank. He stands up a cross to the penalty spot and Enzo Fernandez meets it well with his head.
He aims for Dominguez' left-handside but his header drifts just wide of the post.
Lionel Messi has been peripheral in the opening 25 minutes, spending most of it wandering around on the right flank. With Lautaro down the middle Messi's sticking to the flank a lot more rigidly than he usually does, opted not to drift inside.
Enner Valencia
The veteran forward is down after being clattered midway inside his own half. He gets to his feet but is moving a little gingerly.
Brilliant from Messi to skip past a challenge on the edge of the box and curl a cross into the middle. Tagliafico is there to pick up the ball on the far side but his pass is a little aimless. Ecuador clear.
Twenty minutes in and we get our first first-stadium rendition of 'Ooooh Argentina' from those in blue and white.
We haven't heard official word yet but this could be a sellout.
Now Argentina come on the attack, with Lautaro Martinez bustling through the Ecuador defence. He nearly manages to force his way into the penalty box but he's thwarted at the last moment.
Ecuador find Enner Valencia running in behind and the big forward does well to control the ball and find Angelo Preciado in the middle. He tries to deflect the ball past Martinez but it flies over the crossbar.
Both teams will be fairly happy with how the first 13 minutes have gone. Argentina have dominated the ball and looked confident, but Ecuador will be no push-overs and have already showed some ambition on the counter-attack.
The corner is taken short and Ecuador try to work an angle for a shot on the edge of the box but Argentina keep them at bay. Ecuador run out of room and the ball's back with Emiliano Martinez.
Good hold-up play from Enner Valencia wins his team a corner kick. A chance to deliver with quality...
Caicedo is back on his feet and he gets his own back within 30 seconds, clipping Mac Allister on the halfway line. Free kick to Argentina.
Moises Caicedo
The Ecuadorian is down after a challenge from Alexis Mac Allister. Former teammates at Brighton, less friendly now.
He'll be fine to continue.
Ecuador are sitting back when they don't have the ball but they are full of energy when they regain possession. Caicedo is playing as a No. 10, his energy helping to bring Chelsea up the field.
Opening for Ecuador!
Moises Caicedo leaps on a flick-on from Valencia and charges in on goal. As he approaches the goal Romero gets a boot in and pokes the ball back to Emilian Martinez, who scoops it up.
That was a chance, though.
Poor touch from Tagliafico allows the ball to roll under his foot and out for a Ecuador throw-in on the halfway line.
The Argentina shirt-heavy crowd are enthused by this positive start and the noise is ratcheted up further.
First opening as Enzo Fernandez looks to latch onto a long ball over the Ecuadorian backline. It's a little to long and he can't reach it, but that was a good run form the midfielder.
Argentina get the ball down and play in the opening moments, looking to build out from the back. Ecuador content to sit back and let them have it in their own defensive zone.
And we're away!
Argentina get things started at NRG Stadium in Houston.
We're ready for the off!
After two stirring renditions of their respective national anthems, Argentina and Ecuador are ready to get this quarter-final underway. Argentina are the undoubted favourites but they haven't been at their devastating best so far this summer. Could Ecuador pull off an upset?
Players are out at NRG Stadium!
The two teams take to the field in front of a packed stadium in Houston, Texas. The quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa America get underway in just a few minutes.
First though, the national anthems...
The Argentina head coach will not underestimated their opposition. / JUAN MABROMATA / AFP
Lionel Scaloni ready for Ecuador test
“We are aware that Ecuador is a team that has grown a lot in recent times. They have great players, it is going to be a very complicated game," Scaloni told reporters ahead of the game. “I don’t believe in statistics. Ecuador is a very well-worked team, it has very good players and a good coach.”
Kickoff approaches at NRG Stadium
We're now less than 20 minutes away from go time as Argentina and Ecuador face off for a place in the final four of the 2024 Copa America. The players are out on the field to warm up and the stands are filling up nicely.
The incredible form of Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez has been one of the stories of the tournament so far, forcing his way into Lionel Scaloni's starting XI for this evening's game. The Inter Milan striker is out on his own at the top of the scoring charts as it stands, but there's plenty of soccer still to be played...
Can Ecuador pull off a shock against Argentina?
It's a tough proposition for Ecuador, who finished second in Group B and narrowly struck past out-of-form Mexico in their final group stage match. Coach Felix Sanchez has experience at La Masia in Barcelona but his style is tougher, more defensive with Ecuador.
Sanchez has not had to change his backline during the 2024 Copa America and William Pacho, centre-back for Bundesliga side Eintract Frankfurt, was one of the best defenders across the group stage. That defensive solidity will be key if they are to frustrate Argentina.
What time is Argentina - Ecuador?
Wherever you are in the world, here's the start times for the first of this year's Copa America quarter-finals. There's just 40 minutes to go until kickoff at NRG Stadium, Houston.
We'll be bringing you full text coverage of Argentina - Ecuador right here but you can also choose to watch the game live. For supporters in the United States, here's everything you need to know...
The Argentina captain missed the Peru game due to a thigh issue. / LOGAN RIELY / Getty Images via AFP
Injury comeback for Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has not played since the second game of the competition but returns to the team this evening. The 37-year-old had an injury to his right thigh but has returned to training this week and starts against Ecuador. He has not scored in the 2024 Copa America but still has a chance of reaching another record tally.
He could have three more games, if Argentina reach the final, and Messi needs just four goals to equal the all-time Copa America scoring record (17).
Argentina arrive at NRG Stadium
Lionel Messi's Argentina arrive at the home of NFL side Houston Texans for tonight's Copa America quarter-final against Ecuador. Argentina are the clear favourites to progress but Ecuador boast a resolute backline and will endeavour to make life difficult for the world champions.
The Inter Milan striker has forced his way into the starting XI. / Agustin Marcarian / REUTERS
Can Lautaro Martinez continue scoring form?
Argentina won their group with ease, conceding no goals in their three matches. In fact, in the last nine matches, Lionel Scaloni's side have kept eight clean sheets and their defence is probably the best in the competition.
Also very important, however, is the form of Lautaro Martinez. The Inter Milan striker has four goals in three games this Copa, making him the top scorer in the competition. At times Martinez has not convinced for Argentina, but in this form he is lethal.
And here's the starting XI for Ecuador!
Ecuador head coach Felix Sanchez has made just one change to the team that snuck past Mexico in their final group stage game. Kevin Rodriguez drops out, with Carlos Gruezo coming in to replace him in midfield.
Argentina lineup confirmed!
Here we go! As suspected, it's a Gonzalez - Messi - Martinez front three for Argentina this evening as Lionel Scaloni's side target the Copa America semi-finals.
As we await confirmed team news, here's what we do know for sure ahead of Argentina - Ecuador. Players who accumulate two yellow cards before the semi-finals will be hit with a one-match ban.
Earlier this week Brazil star VInicius Junior sustained a crucial second booking; have any Argentinian or Ecuadorian players hit that threshold yet?
Is this the Argentina starting XI?
Reports on social media suggest that Argentina will start with a front three of Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Nico González against Ecuador. Again, this isn't confirmed but it looks like a good bet...
Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Alexis, Enzo; Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Nico González.
We're still awaiting confirmed team news from NRG Stadium but we've got a good idea of how Lionel Scaloni will set up Argentina from the start tonight. Here's what we know so far...
BTS in the Argentinian locker room
That's not a bad front three, is it?
Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez will be sitting next to each other as they get ready for tonight's game, but will that be the starting offensive trio for Lionel Scaloni? We'll find out shortly...
We've seen plenty of controversial refereeing decisions already in Copa America 2024 and the man in the middle will be under pressure again today. Here's what we know about Uruguayan official Andres Matonte...
Big support for Ecuador in Houston
As we've seen across the first two weeks of Copa America, the South American contingent in the United States turn out to support their national teams. Ecuadorian supporters are already in good voice in Houston, Texas ahead of what could well be a sell-out this evening.
There's plenty still to come from Copa America but, with the European Championships playing simultaneously, it can be difficult to keep track of the fixtures. Here's who's playing today, Thursday July 4...
Argentina take on Ecuador at NRG Stadium
We're around 90 minutes from kickoff in Houston as the quarter-finals of Copa America get underway. The first of the four fixtures takes place at NRG Stadium and sees the World Cup holders, Argentina, take on unfancied Ecuador.
Live updates: Argentina - Ecuador in Copa America
The knockout stages of the Copa America begin this evening as reigning champions Argentina take on Ecuador in the first of the quarter-finals.
Lionel Messi is expected to return from injury to take on an Ecuadorian team built on solid defensive foundations, with a smattering of youthful talent.
We'll be bringing you full live coverage of all the action. Away we go!