Fans were treated to two thrilling penalty shoot-outs during the first couple of quarter-final matches at this year’s Copa America.
Earlier today, Canada shocked the world by upsetting Group B winners Venezuela to book a spot in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, it was Argentina who held their nerves against Ecuador, as they aim for a record-breaking 16th Copa America title.
History makers
Jesse Marsch and the entire Canadian team are on cloud 9. Who would’ve ever thought that this band of brothers would make it to the semi-finals of the Copa America?
Hours removed from eliminating Venezuela, and yet it still hasn’t sunk in that they still have a chance to be continental champions on literally the first attempt.
The Canucks, a CONCACAF member, rely on CONMEBOL’s invitation to participate in the tournament. They were meant to leave with a participation trophy. Now they have a chance at football immortality.
Despite scoring a mere one goal throughout their group, Les Rouges advanced and edged more experienced and stronger nations, such as former champions Chile and Peru.
Critics and detractors were sure that their luck would eventually run out. And with Venezuela’s strong showing, they were supposed to end Canada’s fairytale run.
Instead, Marsch had his team go out there and play the only way they knew how—with their hearts fully on their sleeves.
Canada had 16 shots (seven on goal) and pushed Venezuela to their limits from end-to-end.
Their comeuppance came early in the match, with winger Jacob Shaffelburg sprinting from the middle of the pitch to meet Jonathan David’s pass.
La Vinotinto’s chance of an equaliser materialised when Salomon Rondon caught Maxime Crepeau out of position, and lobbed the ball from the half-way line.
From then on, both sides failed to capitalise on whatever chance they had—or lack thereof.
The shoot-out that proceeded was neck and neck. Both teams were feeling the pressure as both keepers had saved one shot each, with both Liam Miller (Canada) and Yangel Herrera (Venezuela) missing in between.
Venezuela eventually took the lead, with Jhonder Cadiz slotting it in the bottom-corner, whilst Alphonso Davies countered to make it three goals apiece.
Maxime Crepeau, one of the tournament’s best keepers so far, guessed Wilker Angel’s shoddy attempt, before Ismael Kone sent Canada to the semi-finals where they meet La Albiceleste next.
The Martinez’s save Argentina
Almost everyone thought that Argentina would run through anyone in their bracket, considering the disparity with regards to the players’ quality was pretty clear.
In fact, it doesn’t matter who they face in this tournament; Messi alone wills them to the top of Copa America 2024 odds.
Their game against Ecuador seemed like a sure-win situation; they have never lost to La Tri in all their Copa America meetings.
Argentina have also yet to concede a goal in the tournament, and Emiliano Martinez was looking impenetrable in goal.
But yesterday, the 15-time champions looked mortal.
Lionel Messi was visibly not at his best, and Ecuador kept the ball well, not allowing the Argentines to dominate possession.
Argentina also conceded more corners and, at times, were being outplayed by a gritty Ecuadorian side.
One of the three Martinez’s on the pitch (they are not related by blood but by footballing passion), Lisandro Martinez, powered La Albiceleste ahead with a header at the 35th minute after Messi’s corner connected with Alexis Mac Allister’s head, who in turn heads it to an unmarked Martinez.
Ecuador’s Enner Valencia had the opportunity to tie the game with a penalty after a handball from Rodrigo De Paul. Valencia had done what most find difficult to do—send Emi Martinez the wrong way—but to his nation’s dismay, missed the shot badly.
Ecuador never gave in and finally broke through in the first minute of injury time when Kevin Rodriguez heads John Yeboah’s cross past the Argentine keeper.
The penalty shoot-out began with Messi attempting a panenka, which hit the crossbar to the delight of the Ecuadorian fans.
But their joys were short-lived, as Emi Martinez saved two penalties in a row to basically remove what little chance they had in the competition.
All Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nicolas Otamendi had to do was convert their penalties to seal the game, and that they did.
These Copa America 2024 results mean Argentina and Canada face each other for a second time in the tournament.
And with former winning 2-0 against the latter in the group stages, SBOTOP gives La Albiceleste a huge edge in the match.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
