Emiliano Martinez saved three penalty kicks as Argentina got the 2-1 win in a penalty shootout to reach the final of the Copa America.

Argentina took the early lead as Gio Lo Celso played a ball in to Lionel Messi and he would pass it to Lautaro Martinez as Lautaro would score to give Argentina the 1-0 lead. Nicolas Gonzalez came close to scoring the second as Messi crossed the ball into the penalty area but his header was saved by Ospina.

The second half saw Colombia grow into the match and would make it count. A quick free kick taken by Colombia as Luis Diaz would beat Pezzella for pace and score to draw Colombia level.

Angel Di Maria was brought in for Argentina and nearly had an assist. Di Maria dribble around Ospina who came out of his penalty area as he passed it to Lautaro but Lautaro’s open goal effort was blocked on the line.

It would go to penalty kicks and Emiliano Martinez would turn into the hero. Juan Cuadrado would go first for Colombia as Martinez would guess the right way but was unable to save it.

Lionel Messi was the first one up for Argentina and he would convert his into the top corner of the net.

It was now time for the Emiliano Martinez show. Davinson Sanchez would take the second kick for Colombia but Martinez with a save. Up stepped Rodrigo De Paul but his penalty went over the bar.

Up next for Colombia was Yerry Mina and Martinez would save his. Leandro Paredes with a well taken penalty and he would score for Argentina. Miguel Borja and Lautaro Martinez woulds core theirs which left Edwin Cardona.

Last kick and a third save for Emiliano Martinez as Argentina win and are in the final!

#CopaAmérica 🏆

Estas fueron las acciones más destacadas del encuentro entre @Argentina y @FCFSeleccionCol por la Semifinal de la CONMEBOL #CopaAmérica

🇦🇷 Argentina 🆚 Colombia 🇨🇴#VibraElContinente #VibraOContinente pic.twitter.com/PQAVmSHFSt

— Copa América (@CopaAmerica) July 7, 2021

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has made two changes from the team that started the 3-0 quarter final win.

Lionel Scaloni has decided to go with Nicolas Tagliafico instead of Marcos Acuña as left back. There have been reports that Acuña is tired and Scaloni has instead opted with Tagliafico.

Cristian Romero is still not fit as Germán Pezzella partners Nicolas Otamendi in the back line as Molina keeps his spot at right back. The other change is in midfield as Guido Rodríguez starts in place of Leandro Paredes. He will play alongside Rodrigo De Paul and Gio Lo Celso.

Up front, it’s Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Nicolás González. Here is the starting XI:

Emi Martínez; Molina, Pezzella, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Guido, Lo Celso; Messi, Lautaro and Nicolás González

Nicolás Tagliafico is set to start for Argentina in the semi final of the Copa America.

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni stated on Monday that he would not confirm the team and would wait until Tuesday as there are a few players that are tired and have knocks. Cristian Romero will reportedly miss the semi final as he is not fit and Pezzella would partner Otamendi in the back line.

As we reported on Monday, the rumored eleven for the semi final will resemble that of the 3-0 win in the quarter finals. Per a report by AS, Nicolas Tagliafico will start ahead of Marcos Acuna with Nicolas Tagliafico keeping his spot. Here is the rumored eleven:

Emiliano Martínez; Molina, Pezzella, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Guido/Paredes, Lo Celso; Messi, Lautaro, González

The only doubt remains in midfield between Guido and Paredes. It was Paredes who started the quarter final win while Guido was brought on as a substitute.

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni spoke to the media ahead of the team’s semi final match on Tuesday.

The player selected to speak to the media was Rodrigo De Paul and after that came Scaloni. Speaking to the media, here is what he had to say:

“There are a few tired players with some knocks and we will wait until tomorrow to confirm the team. In any case, we will not change the idea that we have planted here.

“We want to win and get to the final. The hunger of these players is obvious. They are concentrated, they all have a great illusion.”

Regarding the possibility of the match going to a penalty shootout.

“We hope not to get to a penalty shootout tomorrow. If that happens, hopefully things go well for us.”

In regards to the team:

“This group has always taken on the matches in the best way possible. It doesn’t weigh on them. When they have to close down the matches, they do it.

“Speaking as an Argentine fan, I am convinced that these guys will give their all to reach the final.

“We don’t gift anything to anyone, the best are here. De Paul is in the Argentina national team based off os his form, he is an important player.”

Rodrigo De Paul spoke in a press conference on Monday prior to Argentina’s semi final match on Tuesday.

De Paul, who scored Argentina’s opening goal in the quarter final match, was the player selected to speak to the pres. An integral part of Lionel Scaloni’s team, here is what De Paul had to say:

“It’s always important to give your maximum for this shirt. When you give that, there is a good chance that things will work out well. We are here to grow, to help. We are all on here on the same path. It was nice to have scored the first goal but it was more important to win.”

Regarding Lionel Messi:

“Leo (Messi) is one step ahead of all of us. In the first goal against Ecuador, he saw me alone and luckily it helped us to win.”

About the Copa America and the Argentina national team:

“Our objective is to take this match by match. It’s a long road with great national teams. We are available to fight until the last day to get to the final that we have dreamed of and to give joy to all the Argentine’s.

“We talk a lot with the entire coaching staff. It’s a road that has been going on for more than two years. They know what I can bring and that they can count on me for any position. We have to be up for it and for all of us to be on the same side.

“We are motivated and we know tomorrow’s match will be difficult. We feel ready and very excited.”