Mexico Cruises Past Suriname 2-0 Despite Lackluster Performance: Complete Player Ratings
Mexico's national squad triumphed over Suriname with a 2-0 victory, earning their spot in the 2025 Gold Cup quarterfinals, though the win masks what was largely an underwhelming display from El Tri.
Following their narrow escape against the Dominican Republic in their Gold Cup opener, El Tri was expected to deliver a more commanding performance against Suriname. However, the first 45 minutes told a different story entirely.
Javier Aguirre's team faced significant difficulties, unable to break the deadlock while also experiencing several concerning defensive lapses. Despite controlling the ball for extended periods, Mexico appeared directionless and ineffective in the attacking third. Playing with a traditional 4-4-2 setup, the team seemed sluggish and outdated, unable to penetrate what was at best an average defensive structure.
Mexico's struggles continued into the second period, but Aguirre's men finally found their breakthrough when César Montes connected with a header in the 57th minute, netting his second strike of the 2025 Gold Cup campaign. Just six minutes afterward, Montes again rose highest from a corner kick and converted his own rebound to complete his double. Remarkably, four of Mexico's five tournament goals have originated from corner situations.
The two-goal cushion allowed El Tri to regain composure and maintain control through to the final whistle, despite squandering clear opportunities to extend their lead further. This result propels Mexico to the summit of Group A, guaranteeing their quarterfinal berth and establishing a decisive group-deciding encounter against Costa Rica this Sunday evening.
While the defending champions managed another victory, their display remained unconvincing and raises more concerns than it resolves. Though results have favored Aguirre thus far, the standard demonstrated by El Tri across their opening two fixtures will prove insufficient against superior opposition in the tournament's elimination phase.
Individual player assessments from Mexico's victory are listed below.
Suriname Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)
Ratings Provided by FotMob
Position / Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Etienne Vaessen | 6.9 |
RB: Liam van Gelderen | 5.7 |
CB: Myenty Abena | 6.2 |
CB: Shaquille Pinas | 5.9 |
LB: Ridgeciano Haps | 5.7 |
CM: Kenneth Paal | 6.4 |
CM: Dion Malone | 5.6 |
RW: Jean-Paul Boëtius | 6.6 |
AM: Denzel Jubitana | 6.3 |
LW: Richonell Margaret | 6.1 |
ST: Gyrano Kerk | 5.8 |
SUB: Gleofilo Vlijter (65' for Malone) | 6 |
SUB: Dhoraso Moreo Klas (65' for Boëtius) | 6.5 |
SUB: Immanuel Pherai (71' Ffor Jubitana) | 5.8 |
SUB: Jaden Montnor (86' for Kerk) | N/A |
Mexico Player Ratings vs. Suriname (4-4-2)
Ratings Provided by FotMob
Position / Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Luis Malagón | 7.7 |
RB: Israel Reyes | 7.8 |
CB: César Montes | 8.9 |
CB: Johan Vásquez | 7.7 |
LB: Jesús Gallardo | 7.7 |
RM: Roberto Alvarado | 8 |
CM: Edson Álvarez | 7.3 |
CM: Marcel Ruiz | 7.4 |
LM: Alexis Vega | 8.2 |
ST: Julián Quiñones | 7.8 |
ST: Raúl Jiménez | 7.3 |
SUB: Santiago Gimenez (64' for Jiménez) | 5.8 |
SUB: Ángel Sepúlveda (72' for Quiñones) | 6.2 |
SUB: César Huerta (72' for Vega) | 6.8 |
SUB: Luis Chávez (72' for Ruiz) | 6.2 |
SUB: Jesús Orozco (76' for Vásquez) | 6.6 |
Player of the Match: César Montes (Mexico)