Enner Valencia missed a chance to convert a penalty into goal in the game against Argentina. The world champions had a lead of 1-0 at the end of the half time and Ecuador needed an inspiration to get back into the game. They got a good chance to be back in the game, as a foul from Argentina gave them a penalty. Enner decided to take the strike.
Being the best striker of the team, one expected the star player to equalize for Ecuador. However, in a massive turn if events, Enner Valencia failed to capitalize on the advantage. The star player tried to hit the ball towards the right post of the goal. And he was probably right in the decision making part, as the goalkeeper dived towards the left anticipating the striker to hit towards his left. Despite the botchup from Emiliano Martinez, Ecuador made a massive miss.
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Valencia tried to pierce the lower corner of the right post, but the ball hit the post and returned. The fans of Ecuador were in shock as their star striker missed a goal. The fans of Argentina were happy that a potential equaliser was cut off. Valencia was criticised by the fans on internet for his miss.
Kevin Rodriguez produces equaliser for Ecuador
It might be one of those instances which Enner would never be forgiven for in the years to come. As the match progressed towards the ending moments, Ecuador got desperate to claim a goal. After the first 90 minutes, Argentina maintained their lead of 1-0. But a great work from Kevin Rodriguez meant that his team got the much needed equaliser.
In the extra time, Ecuador got back into the game as they equalized 1-1. The match hence went to the penalty shootouts. A massive moment in the game was when Lionel Messi failed to convert his chance to a goal. In the last few days, two of the biggest stars like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have missed penalties, though Ronaldo claimed one in the shootouts.