Defender Cesar Montes scored twice in a six-minute span within the second half and defending champion Mexico struggled early however managed to get previous Suriname 2-0 on Wednesday night time to safe a spot within the knockout spherical of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Montes opened the scoring on a header off a nook kick within the 57 and added one other purpose within the 63rd minute for the Mexicans, who defeated the Dominican Republic 3-2 within the opening match of the event.
With three targets within the event, the 28-year-old defender, who performs for Lokomotiv of Moscow, at present shares the scoring lead with Costa Rican Manfred Ugalde.
“I’m excited in regards to the targets, however the precedence is protecting a clear sheet. I clearly didn’t think about it; that’s what strikers are for, however so long as I may also help the staff in that approach, I’ll do it,” Montes mentioned.
Montes had scored solely as soon as in his 53 earlier nationwide staff video games earlier than to the Gold Cup, in a pleasant match in opposition to Panama in June 2021.
With the win, Mexico leads Group A with six factors and can play Costa Rica subsequent Sunday in Las Vegas aiming to safe the primary place forward of the second spherical.
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The Costa Ricans are lead by former Mexican coach Miguel Herrera, who managed el Tri within the 2014 World Cup.
“We’ve an intense match developing. It’s an good staff. Miguel is a revered coach in Mexico, and he’ll positively need to beat us. However we’re going to exit and work exhausting and attempt to struggle for the group lead,” added Montes.
The Mexicans lead the group on purpose distinction and can safe the highest spot with a draw.
“We knew it was a tough group and that’s the way it has been to date, though it won’t look like it due to the 2 wins, but it surely wasn’t simple,” Mexico’s coach Javier Aguirre mentioned.
The Costa Ricans defeated the Dominican Republic 2-1 earlier for his or her second win of the Gold Cup and in addition certified for the second spherical. Suriname and the Dominicans are eradicated.
Suriname has misplaced all 4 official matches performed in opposition to Mexico and can attempt to shut the event with a win once they play the debutant Dominican Republic subsequent Sunday.
Reporting by The Related Press.
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