Mexico beat Suriname, Costa Rica rally to win

Texas

Mexico secured a solid 2-0 win over Suriname in the Concacaf Gold Cup group stage at AT&T Stadium on Thursday, claiming their second victory of the tournament.

Although Mexico dominated early with more possession and chances from Alexis Vega, Julian Quinones, and Roberto Alvarado, they couldn’t score in the first half. Suriname defended well and looked for counterattack chances but never truly threatened Mexican goalkeeper Angel Malagon.

The breakthrough came in the 57th minute when defender Cesar Montes scored with a header from a corner. Just six minutes later, Montes added his second goal, converting a rebound from another set piece, becoming the standout performer of the match. A third goal by Cesar Huerta was ruled offside.

Mexico now sits on six points and will face Costa Rica next in a match that may decide the group winner.

Meanwhile, Costa Rica came from behind to defeat the Dominican Republic 2-1 in another Group A clash. The Dominican Republic made history by taking the lead in the 16th minute through Joao Urbaez, who scored on a rebound after a blocked shot by Keylor Navas.

Costa Rica equalized in the 44th minute with a penalty by Manfred Ugalde. The winning goal came in the 85th minute when Ugalde set up a teammate, who finished with a right-footed strike from inside the box.

Both Navas and Dominican keeper Xavier Valdez made four saves. The Dominican Republic next face Suriname in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday.