Lisandro Martinez scored his first ever goal for Argentina as they squeaked past a resolute Ecuador to make the semi-finals of Copa America.
An even game finished 1-1 and the World Champions eventually made it through 4-2 on penalties.
The Argentines had eight shots to Ecuador’s nine with both teams only having two shots on target each in a tight affair.
Martinez’s side also narrowly edged possession with 51% in by far their toughest test of the competition so far.
United’s defensive rock has had quite the tournament but this game will certainly be seen as his most memorable in a blue and white shirt up to this point.
In the 35th minute of play a corner was swung in and flicked on at the near post and United’s number six ghosted in unmarked to firmly plant a header into the empty goal.
The ball was cleared by the Ecuadorian defence but well behind the line, and El Carnicero grabbed his first ever goal for the national side in the most important of circumstances.
The 26 year old was also solid in defence as he was subbed off after 76 minutes with Argentina keeping a clean sheet the time he was on the pitch. However, a late header in the 91st minute from Kevin Rodriguez sent the match into extra time.
Martinez was given a highly impressive score of 7.8 by Sofascore as he has got better and better as the tournament has worn on.
He made two clearances on the night and completed two tackles. He also made one interception as he helped restrict Ecuador to only one shot on target during the time he was on the pitch.
He also won two out of his three ground duels and one out of his two aerial battles as the Ecuadorian front line got little change out of the United man.
One key trait of Martinez’s play in this tournament has been his careful use of the ball and last night was no exception as he had 59 touches and an incredible 100% passing accuracy, completing all 45 of his passes.
In a very productive night offensively, he completed all four of his attempted long balls as he showed off his impressive array of passing.
He also had one shot off target and one shot blocked to go alongside his all-important strike.
Speaking after the game he claimed he was “very happy with the goal” and complimented his side by saying that “this team is very hungry.”
After a difficult season in which he failed to play much due to injury, United supporters will be overjoyed that their fan favorite is not only getting regular playing time but also significantly contributing to his team’s triumph. This should instill a great deal of confidence in him for the upcoming campaign, since Martinez’s health and self-assurance are essential to United’s goals.
Alejandro Garnacho, a teammate from Manchester United, was again kept off the bench despite participating in the last group match.
La Albiceleste will now anxiously wait to see who they will play in Tuesday night’s (Wednesday morning UK time) semi-final clash, as they will face either Venezuela or Canada for a place in the showpiece final.
