Mexico has won its second game at the Gold Cup, securing a place in the quarterfinals ahead of schedule: In a 2-0 win over Suriname, it was a center back who made the difference after the break.
After a turbulent 3-2 opening win against the Dominican Republic, Mexico wanted to enjoy a quieter evening on the second day of the Gold Cup preliminary round. However, it took Mexico’s most successful striker in this tournament to calm nerves against Suriname after the break: center back Montes.
In the first half, the Mexicans were already the better team at AT&T Stadium in Arlington and had some dangerous chances without really creating anything clear-cut. After the break, a set piece broke the deadlock: Vega’s corner was headed in by Montes, who had already scored the opening goal to make it 3-1, from close range into the top left corner (57′).
Just six minutes later, the same defensive specialist, who plays for Lokomotiv Moscow, made it 2-0. This time, his header from a corner was initially blocked, but Montes, lying on the ground, managed to push the ball into the net. “I’m happy about the goals, but the priority is to keep a clean sheet,” said Montes afterwards: “Of course, I never would have dreamed of this, because that’s actually the strikers’ job, but as long as I can help the team in this way, I’ll do it.”
Ketchup bottle principle
Curious: With three goals in the tournament, the 28-year-old currently shares the top scorer spot with Costa Rica’s Ugalde. Montes had scored only once in his 55 senior international appearances before the Gold Cup – in a friendly against Panama in June 2021.
The victory puts Mexico at the top of Group A with six points, and they will play Costa Rica, who are also undefeated, for first place in Las Vegas on Sunday. Both teams have already secured a spot in the quarterfinals.
Quite explosive: The Costa Ricans are coached by former Mexican national coach Miguel Herrera, who was in charge of El Tri at the 2014 World Cup. “We have an intense game ahead of us. They are a good team,” Montes said, adding: “Miguel is a respected coach in Mexico and he will certainly want to beat us.”
