Argentina advances on a penalty shootout

Two miracle saves by Martinez puts Messi and firm into the Championship match

Uruguay and Brazil will meet in the other semi-final contest on Tuesday

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Emiliano Martínez was the hero for Argentina on Tuesday night, saving three penalties in a shootout to send his team to the Copa América final with a 3-2 victory over Colombia.

After a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout. Martínez saved the first two penalties from Colombia, and then made a third save in the fifth round to clinch the victory.

Lautaro Martínez scored the winning penalty for Argentina, sending his team to the final against Brazil on Saturday.

It was a heroic performance from Martínez, who has been in excellent form for Argentina throughout the tournament. He made several key saves in regulation and extra time, and then came up big in the penalty shootout.

Argentina will now face Brazil in the final on Saturday. Brazil is the defending champion and has won the Copa América a record nine times.