Martin Palermo went from hero to something approaching a laughing stock when he missed three penalties for Argentina as they lost 3-0 to Colombia in the Copa America on Sunday.

His nightmare contrasted with the delight of 16-year-old Jhonnier Montano, who capped an almost surreal five-penalty match by scoring the final goal with a spectacular dipping shot from outside the penalty area.

The win put Colombia into the quarter-finals and left Argentina to fight for a place with Uruguay, whom they meet in their final group C game tomorrow. Uruguay earlier beat Ecuador 2-1, Marcelo Zalayeta scoring both their goals.

The Copa America has already served up plenty of excitement but nothing quite compared to Palmermo's personal drama. The Boca Juniors striker, a prolific scorer at club level, had been called up when first choice forwards Gabriel Batistuta and Hernan Crespo asked to be rested after a tough season in Europe.

On Thursday, he became a national hero after scoring two excellent goals in the 3-1 win over Ecuador. But on Sunday it all went wrong.

Palmermo missed his first penalty in the fifth minute when a goal would have given his team the lead, blasting a powerful shot against the crossbar. He had a second go in the 75th minute for what would have been an equaliser, but this time he fired his shot wildly over the crossbar.

His third try, in the 89th minute with Colombia 3-0 ahead, was for nothing but a consolation. Undeterred by his previous failures, Palmero offered to take the kick and finally hit the target, only to see his shot saved by Miguel Calera.