On July 5, Beijing time, the 1/4 finals of the Copa America began with Argentina facing Ecuador.
Argentina is ranked No. 1 in the world, winning three games in the group stage and winning three games, and qualified first in the group. Ecuador is ranked 30th in the world and qualified second in the group with 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss in three group games.
Argentina 442 formation, Messi and Lautaro burst forward, midfielders De Paul, McAllister, Enzo, Gonzalez. Backline, Molina, Romero, Lisandro, Tagliafico. Goalkeeper Martinez.
Game Summary: The opening Argentina is to control the initiative on the field, use the ball, and attack. Ecuador defended in depth and played Argentina on the counter-attack, with Caicedo finding a chance to shoot a shot that was saved by Martinez.
Argentina had 2 passing errors and yet to form an effective shot on goal.
Ecuador's counter-attack was quick and aggressive, and Argentina needed to pick themselves up. Ecuador attacked down the right, with Sarmiento's powerful shot saved by Martinez and Pais's follow-up shot high.
Ecuador started again, and the goalkeeper shot high. Argentina played particularly passively.
Argentina are yet to have a shot on goal, but Ecuador have three shots on goal, all of which are dangerous.
Argentina finally organized an effective attack, Messi hit a cross into the box, but the ball was still destroyed. Argentina's pass in midfield was marked by Ecuador's ferocious defence.
In the 25th minute, Argentina made a strong effort, and Ento headed the goal, which went high.
Romero took Ecuador's Valencia to the ground. Messi's shot from Enzo is blocked. Messi takes a corner, McAllister heads in and Lima heads in to give Argentina a 1-0 lead.
De Paul handballed the penalty and Enner Valencia missed the penalty at the post.
John Zamora equalises with a stoppage-time header to make it 1-1 Argentina.
At the end of the 90th minute, the penalty shootout was missed. Big Martin saves 2 penalties in a row. Argentina won the penalty kick and entered the top 4, Messi lost the point, and Big Martin saved!