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Gold Cup: Mexico Beat Costa Rica 2-0 To Reach The Semi-Finals

Mexico has secured a spot in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup semifinals with a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica at AT&T Stadium, the Dallas Cowboys home.

The match remained scoreless in the first half, with both teams struggling to find a rhythm. Costa Rica had a brief period of pressure but failed to convert their chances. In the second half, Mexico gained momentum, and Henry Martin earned a penalty kick, which AEK Athens midfielder Orbelin Pineda confidently converted to give Mexico the lead. Goalkeeper Kevin Chamorro was left heartbroken since he was so close to saving Pineda’s spot kick.

Both teams had several chances as Costa Rica pushed for an equalizer against Mexico in the Gold Cup. Still, both goalkeepers, Chamorro and Ochoa, made crucial saves to keep the scoreline unchanged. However, it was Mexico who ultimately secured the victory in the late stages of the match. Roberto Alvarado made a run down the left wing, breaking through Costa Rica’s defense.

The Guadalajara winger then delivered a precise cut-back cross into the box, which Erick Sanchez expertly finished to secure the win. The goal was that much sweeter since it was two substitute players who combined to score it.

Mexico is taking the Gold Cup by the storm as they beat Costa Rica

El Tri concluded the game with a total of 14 shots, of which eight were on target. In contrast, Los Ticos managed only one shot on target out of their nine attempts, undoubtedly disappointing them.

The game was on even terms most of the time but in terms of possession, Mexico had slightly more control, with 52% of the ball compared to Costa Rica’s 48%.

Mexico’s performance in the tournament has been impressive thus far. They started with a dominant 4-0 victory over Honduras in the group stage, followed by a 3-1 win against Haiti. Although they experienced a setback in a surprising 1-0 loss to Qatar, El Tri quickly rebounded and moved on from that defeat.

Next, Mexico will await the outcome of the match between Guatemala and Jamaica on Sunday to determine their opponent in the semifinals. The semifinal clash will be on Wednesday, July 12 at Allegiant Stadium, the home of the Las Vegas Raiders.

On the other side of the bracket, Panama awaits the winner of the match between the U.S. and Canada, which will also be played on Sunday.