Mexico and Costa Rica Battle to Goalless Stalemate in Crucial Gold Cup Group Stage Finale
Mexico created several scoring opportunities but couldn't find the net against Costa Rica, ending with a goalless 0-0 result in their concluding group phase encounter of the 2025 Gold Cup.
El Tri delivered their strongest opening half-hour performance of the competition, yet Keylor Navas displayed his peak Real Madrid form as the experienced shot-stopper thwarted Raúl Jiménez and teammates from breaking the deadlock. Costa Rica weathered Mexico's initial pressure and steadily gained momentum as the match progressed.
Following the interval, Javier Aguirre's squad experienced a dramatic decline and struggled to maintain possession and game control. Careless turnovers gave Costa Rica renewed belief and created threatening chances, most notably when forward Alonso Martínez unleashed a long-range effort that struck the woodwork.
Santiago Gimenez entered as a substitute and netted a spectacular strike, connecting with an overhead kick during added time. Mexico believed they had secured victory, but the effort was eventually ruled out due to an offside infringement.
The nil-nil result ensures Mexico advances to the Gold Cup quarterfinals as Group A winners. Nevertheless, Aguirre's team's overall group stage display has been disappointing. Enhancements across all areas of play will be essential if El Tri hopes to retain their Gold Cup title.
Next up, Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals on Saturday, June 28
Mexico Player Ratings v. Costa Rica (4-3-3)
Ratings provided by FotMob
Position / Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Luis Malagón | 6.7 |
RB: Jorge Sánchez | 6.9 |
CB: César Montes | 7.5 |
CB: Johan Vásquez | 7.4 |
LB: Mateo Chávez | 6.8 |
CM: Edson Álvarez | 7.7 |
CM: Marcel Ruiz | 6.9 |
CM: Luis Chávez | 7.6 |
RW: Roberto Alvarado | 6.9 |
LW: Alexis Vega | 7.9 |
ST: Raúl Jiménez | 6.4 |
SUB: Santiago Gimenez (69' for Jiménez) | 5.8 |
SUB: Jesús Gallardo (70' for Chávez) | 6.7 |
SUB: Carlos Rodríguez (75' for Ruiz) | 6.2 |
SUB: César Huerta (75' for Alvarado) | 6.3 |
SUB: Julián Quiñones (88' for Vega) | N/A |
Costa Rica Player Ratings vs. Mexico (5-3-2)
Ratings provided by FotMob
Position / Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Keylor Navas | 8 |
RWB: Carlos Mora | 6.2 |
CB: Jeyland Mitchell | 6.7 |
CB: Juan Pablo Vargas | 7.1 |
CB: Francisco Calvo | 7.4 |
LWB: Josheph Mora | 7.8 |
CM: Brandon Aguilera | 7.1 |
CM: Orlando Galo | 7.7 |
CM: Josimar Alcócer | 6.3 |
ST: Alonso Martínez | 6.3 |
ST: Manfred Ugalde | 5.4 |
SUB: Andy Rojas (58' for Mora) | 6.3 |
SUB: Kenay Myrie (65' for Mitchell) | 6.4 |
SUB: Kenneth Vargas (88' for Martínez) | N/A |
SUB: Fernán Faerron (88' for Ugalde) | N/A |
Player of the Match: Keylor Navas (Costa Rica)