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Photo Story: Houstonians Celebrate Argentina, Ecuador at Copa America

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On Wednesday night, ahead of the Copa America quarter-finals, hundreds of Argentina fans gathered at Discovery Green and called for a minute’s silence.

THE flag, or the pre-game party in downtown Houston fell silent as fans led a cheeky chant praying for Ecuador’s downfall.

Their prayers came true on Thursday when, after a late draw, Argentina beat Ecuador on penalties at NRG Stadium.

The Landing’s photojournalists documented Houstonians celebrating Latin American pride, including Ecuadorian fans flocking to the team’s hotel, the JW Marriott Houston Downtown, hoping to get a peek inside before Thursday’s game.

Despite a breathtaking goal from Ecuadorian striker Kevin Rodriguez in the first minute of added time in the second half, Argentina selection proved fatal for Ecuador.

After Nicolás Otamendi scored a penalty past Ecuadorian goalkeeper Alexander Domínguez, Ecuadorian fans in Houston bowed their heads at a viewing party at Vida Garden in Midtown.

For many Houstonians, regardless of the outcome, it was a chance to see their home country compete on American soil, in their own city.

Michael Tamay waves a flag during a banderazo for the Ecuadorian national team outside the JW Marriott, Wednesday, July 3, 2024, in downtown Houston. (Mark Felix for Houston Landing)
(Photo left) Espi, a three-year-old Dalmatian, shows off a Lionel Messi soccer jersey during a Banderazo for the Argentine national soccer team on July 3, 2024, at Discovery Green in Houston, Texas. The Argentine national team will face Ecuador in the quarterfinals of the Copa America — the largest soccer tournament among South American national teams — on July 4. (Photo right) Hundreds of Argentine soccer fans chant and cheer during a Banderazo on July 3, 2024, at Discovery Green in Houston, Texas. The Argentine national team will face Ecuador in the quarterfinals of the Copa America — the largest soccer tournament among South American national teams — on July 4. (Meridith Kohut for Houston Landing)
An Ecuadorian fan waits for the start of a banderazo for the Ecuadorian national team outside the JW Marriott, Wednesday, July 3, 2024, in downtown Houston. (Mark Felix for Houston Landing)
Hundreds of Argentine fans chant and cheer during a Banderazo on July 3, 2024, at Discovery Green in Houston, Texas. The Argentine national team will face Ecuador in the quarterfinals of the Copa America, the premier soccer tournament among South American national teams, on July 4. (Meridith Kohut for Houston Landing)
Ecuadorian fans watch a banderazo for the Ecuadorian national team outside the JW Marriott, Wednesday, July 3, 2024, in downtown Houston. (Mark Felix for Houston Landing)
Hundreds of Argentine fans chant and cheer during a Banderazo on July 3, 2024, at Discovery Green in Houston, Texas. The Argentine national team will face Ecuador in the quarterfinals of the Copa America, the premier soccer tournament among South American national teams, on July 4. (Meridith Kohut for Houston Landing)
Soccer fans packed downtown Houston’s Vida Garden Bar to watch the Copa America quarterfinal match between Argentina and Ecuador on July 4, 2024. (Meridith Kohut for Houston Landing)
(Photo left) Argentina’s Nicolás Otamendi celebrates his winning goal against Ecuador in a penalty shootout during a Copa America quarterfinal soccer match in Houston, Thursday, July 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Photo right) A teammate hugs Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez after their penalty shootout loss to Argentina during a Copa America quarterfinal soccer match in Houston, Thursday, July 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

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