Mexico are into the 2023 Gold Cup semifinals after a 2-0 quarterfinal win over Costa Rica in front of more than 60,000 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Second half goals by Orbelin Pineda via penalty and by second-half substitute Erick Sanchez gave El Tri a ticket to Las Vegas, where they will face Guatemala or Jamaica on Wednesday night.
A controversial penalty kick decision gave Mexico an opportunity to get the breakthrough goal after forward Henry Martin and Costa Rican defender Kendall Waston collided in the box. The Honduran referee pointed to the spot and Pineda coolly converted.
Mexico were buoyed by the goal, and although Costa Rica made several second-half changes to try to get back into the match, Los Ticos couldn't trouble Mexico goalkeeper Memo Ochoa, who recorded the shutout.
MORE: Gold Cup semifinals schedule
Mexico vs Costa Rica final score
| Final | Goal scorers | |
| Mexico | 2 | Orbelin Pineda (penalty) 52' Erick Sanchez (Roberto Alvarado) 87' |
| Costa Rica | 0 |
Lineups:
Mexico (4-3-3, right to left): 13-Ochoa (GK) — 19-J. Sanchez, 3-Montes, 5-J. Vasquez, 23-Gallardo — 7-Romo, 4-E. Alvarez (21-Reyes, 91'), 18-L. Chavez (14-E. Sanchez, 70') — 15-Antuna, 20-Martin (11-Gimenez, 70'), 17-Pineda
Costa Rica (4-2-3-1, right to left): 18-Chamorro (GK) — 22-Valverde, 19-Waston, 3-J.P. Vargas, 15-Calvo (16-Madrigal, 82') — 5-Borges, 20-Azofeifa (11-Suarez, 63') — 7-A. Contreras, 10-C. Nunez (6-Arboine, 83'), 8-Alcocer (13-Zuniga, 82')— 12-Campbell
MORE: Updated Gold Cup bracket and schedule
Controversial penalty changes the game
Costa Rica were arguably the better team by the end of the first half, but just five minutes after the break, Mexico received a controversial penalty call, with some contending that it was actually Mexico forward Henry Martin who sought the contact from Costa Rican defender Kendall Waston.
Waston was probably overly aggressive for a play inside his own box, and given there was physical contact, there was no real case to be made for the VAR to recommend a review and potentially overturn the penalty decision.
"The goal made the difference," said Costa Rica coach Luis Fernando Suarez postgame. "When the penalty was awarded to Mexico, the course of the match fundamentally changed. The team [Costa Rica] had to do different things, and Mexico is Mexico and managed things well."
Edson Alvarez injury watch
It was the only negative of the night from a Mexico perspective when Edson Alvarez limped off the field in the 90th minute with a knee injury, which looked serious at first sight based on the player's reaction on the field.
"The doctor told us that Edson couldn't continue. At the end [of the match] he told us that he was much better and thought it would be more serious," Mexico manager Jaime Lozano said. "So now we wait. And with emotions running high probably he wasn't feeling so bad, but we have to wait at least a day to see if he can be ready for the semifinals."
Lozano talks about winning the Gold Cup trophy
With Mexico reaching the semifinal stage, it's not too early for El Tri to be talking about their chances of winning the silverware, which many believe Lozano needs to do in order to retain his place at the helm. The interim manager saw enough positive aspects that have him hopeful his team can get the two wins remaining to lift the trophy.
"We're a strong team in attack. And if we maintain that level of attention and concentration [defensively], surely we'll continue to be a candidate to advance and win the Gold Cup again," Lozano said postgame.
"That's what I liked: the level of concentration [vs. Costa Rica]. It's easy to get distracted on a play, as has happened to us historically ... In the first half, I recall several times seeing the team tracking back when we lost the ball, and we looked like wasps, like ants, when it was two or three against one [Costa Rican player]. And that level of defensive commitment is the sign of a competitive team that wants to win it all."
Mexico stock up, stock down
On the positive side, Mexico's Orbelin Pineda was lively and made things happen on the ball, Luis Chavez was involved and his left foot was back to being a dangerous weapon, and goalkeeper Memo Ochoa was dependable as usual in goal. Substitute forward Santi Gimenez also got on the end of two opportunities during his time on the pitch, which is more than Henry Martin did in his time on the field.
Right-back Jorge Sanchez and left-back Jesus Gallardo were better in attack than they were defensively, where they fouled too many times, giving Costa Rica set piece opportunities they typically thrive on
Luis Romo was not impactful, and the Mexican midfield suffered, especially in the first half. Winger Uriel Antuna only had flashes. Center-backs Cesar Montes and Johan Vasquez did fine, while center-forward Henry Martin kept busy, but with little substance outside of drawing the penalty and threading some passes in the attack.
Lozano thought that his team struggled in the first half because they couldn't figure out which areas to attack the Costa Rican defense, and the players became risk averse given how effective Costa Rica were proving on the break.
The Mexican coach said that at halftime he asked for more balls in behind the Costa Rican defense instead of between the lines, and for players to get open and better positioned.
"It was putting people in positions we thought they'd feel more comfortable and show them where the solutions were, and what we had to do in order to reach the opponent's box.
"With a few corrections at halftime, the players who entered as subs in the second half understood what they needed to do and the changes came at the right moment," Lozano said, patting himself on the back for the subs — Santi Gimenez and Erick Sanchez in the 70th minute. "I always say that substitutions either decide a match in your favor or against you. And today, luckily the second goal was scored by three players who came on as subs and were able to finish off a great play."
Mexico vs Costa Rica updates, highlights and commentary from Gold Cup
Final: Mexico 2-0 Costa Rica
90th min.: Five minutes of stoppage time as Israel Reyes replaces Edson Alvarez.
89th min.: Injury stoppage. Edson Alvarez is touching his left knee after landing awkwardly following a header. The stretcher came out fast, but he's going to limp off.
87th min.: Goal Mexico! It's the subs who combine for the goal! Roberto Alvarado down the left side of the box and he whips in a low cross and Erick Sanchez crashes the six yard box to score.
85th min.: Chance Mexico. Santi Gimenez tries his first shot from distance, but misses the target.
84th min.: SUBS Mexico. Julian Araujo (for Jorge Sanchez) and 'Piojo' Alvarado (for Orbelin Pineda).
83rd min.: SUBS Costa Rica. Three fresh players come on. It may be too little, too late. They're also pushing Kendall Waston into the attack.
80th min.: The lead has given Mexico confidence and Costa Rica can't bother El Tri right now. The crowd senses it and are cheering every pass, as Mexico knock it around. Costa Rica needs fresh legs up top.
70th min.: SUBS Mexico. Santi Gimenez (for Henry Martin) and Erick 'El Chiquito' Sanchez (for Luis Chavez) are in the game.
68th min.: YELLOW card to Celso Borges for bringing down a Mexico player about 25 yards from goal. Luis Chavez takes the set piece with that magical left foot, and it just missed the right corner.
67th min.: Chance Costa Rica! It's the newly entered Aaron Suarez who fires a shot from outside the area and it just misses the bar. It comes moments after Mexico's Luis Romo tried a shot from distance that missed the target on the other end.
63rd min.: Chance Costa Rica! On a corner kick, Francisco Calvo gets up and his header is just above the bar. Meanwhile, Los Ticos bring on their first sub as attacking mid Aaron Suarez replaces defensive mid Wilmer Azofeifa, who was also on a yellow. Costa Rico taking a risk.
57th min.: Chance Costa Rica. It's a half-chance. Costa Rica right-back Jefry Valverde is finally starting to push up. Joel Campbell feeds him, but Valverde's cross is gobbled up by Memo Ochoa.
52nd min.: Goal Mexico! Orbelin Pineda steps up to convert, leaving the goalkeeper frozen on his line.
50th min.: Penalty Mexico! Kendall Waston rams into Henry Martin who gets a touch in the box. Martin sells it, but there's contact. No chance this is getting overturned.
Former referee Felipe Ramos Rizo, who's ESPN's referee expert in Mexico, says that he believes Henry Martin tricked the officials:
46th min.: Second half is underway. No changes.
If Mexico are eliminated here and Jaime Lozano is let go, this observation from ESPN's John Sutcliffe might be a topic of conversation. "The problem with the Mexican national team are not the coaches. It's the players."
Halftime: Mexico 0-0 Costa Rica
Halftime: Mexico started out strong, but Costa Rica weathered the storm and eventually got into the game as the minutes went by. El Tri shrunk, and the midfield had a hard time regaining control of the game.
This could be a defining moment for Mexico manager Jaime Lozano, who has to come up with a tactical change to change the momentum of the game. If it continues like this, Mexico are in trouble.
45th min.: Joel Campbell is having a tremendous match for Costa Rica as the lone center forward, holding up the ball, dribbling by players. He's lively today. Two minutes of stoppage time.
33rd min.: Penalty Mexico? Costa Rica 'keeper Kevin Chamorro runs into the feet of Orbelin Pineda, but the ball was long gone by then. The Mexican players surrounded the Honduran referee, but that was never a penalty.
29th min.: Chance Mexico! What an opportunity for Uriel Antuna, who can't coordinate his body to get a good enough shot off.
25th min.: Chance Costa Rica! A cross from the left nearly finds Anthony Contreras at the far post. Gerardo Arteaga made the big defensive play. Costa Rica are gaining a greater hold on the match as the minutes go by.
21st min.: Chance Costa Rica! A set piece from the right side is deflected by Luis Chavez and it hits the side netting of Mexico's goal. Costa Rica are dangerous on set pieces, but nothing comes of the corner.
18th min.: The crowd is into the match and they're getting behind Mexico. But Costa Rica are not intimidated. They are getting the ball inside Mexico's half more regularly.
12th min.: YELLOW card to Costa Rica's Wilmer Azofeifa. The hard foul was on Mexico's Cesar Montes, and 'El Cachorro' took a while to get up. Meanwhile, Azofeifa will be suspended for a potential semifinal.
8th min.: Chance Costa Rica! Excellent transition for Costa Rica and Joel Campbell lays the ball back to Anthony Contreras, who fires a shot from outside the box which Memo Ochoa has to stop and then spring back up to pick up the rebound.
5th min.: Mexico chance! Right-back Jorge Sanchez gets in the box, receives a ball from Henry Martin, and blasts a shot at goal which Costa Rica's goalkeeper stops for the first corner of the game. Nothing comes of it. Sanchez looked offside on his run.
3rd min.: Mexico are on the front foot, pushing numbers forward. Everyone's getting touches. And Luis Chavez is already pinging the ball around.
1st min.: We're off. Mexico are in white shirts and green shorts. Costa Rica in red shirts and blue shorts.
5 mins. from kickoff: Teams are out on the field for anthems. It's Mexico up first followed by Costa Rica.
20 mins. from kickoff: TUDN reporter Mafer Alonso confirms that the only two Mexican players are one yellow card away from suspension: Gerardo Arteaga and Santi Gimenez. Neither are starting.
All yellow cards are wiped away after the quarterfinals. So if any players on a yellow card get through tonight without a yellow, then they're home free for the rest of the tournament.
1 hour from kickoff: Lineups are out. Both starting XIs are as expected.
1 hour, 30 mins. from kickoff: The scene inside and outside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The building will be painted green.
2 hours from kickoff: We'll see if the field conditions come into play at AT&T Stadium. From the video below, the seams in the turf are visible.
2 hours, 30 mins. from kickoff: The quarterfinals are usually where Gold Cups have come to an end for Costa Rica in the last nine tournaments. They've lost seven times in the quarterfinals, only successfully defeating Guadeloupe (2009) and Panama (2017).
It's a different story for Mexico, who last dropped a match at this stage in 2005, a 2-1 loss to guest nation Colombia.
It's the seventh career quarterfinal match for Costa Rican 35-year-old Celso Borges:
Mexico vs Costa Rica lineups
Mexico manager Jaime Lozano has a full squad available to him with center-back Cesar Montes back after serving a three-match suspension. He has been slotted straight into the starting lineup, as Lozano looks to get his tallest in the match against a Costa Rica team that is strong in the air. Erick 'El Chiquito' Sanchez takes a spot on the bench to make room, with Edson Alvarez pushing up into midfield.
Mexico starting lineup (4-3-3): 13-Guillermo Ochoa (GK) — 19-Jorge Sanchez, 3-Cesar 'El Cachorro' Montes, 5-Johan Vasquez, 23-Jesus Gallardo — 7-Luis Romo, 4-Edson Alvarez, 18-Luis Chavez — 15-Uriel Antuna, 20-Henry Martin, 17-Orbelin Pineda
Mexico subs (12): 1-Jose Antonio Rodriguez (GK), 12-Luis Angel Malagon (GK), 2-Julian Araujo, 21-Israel Reyes, 22-Victor Guzman, 6-Gerardo Arteaga, 8-Carlos 'Charly' Rodriguez, 14-Erick 'El Chiquito' Sanchez, 10-Roberto Alvarado, 16-Diego Lainez, 9-Ozziel Herrera, 11-Santiago Gimenez.
Costa Rica was forced to make two injury replacements in the lead-up to the match with Carlos Mora (ankle) and Roan Wilson (knee) replaced by Yeltsin Tejeda and Kenneth Vargas. Tejeda, a defensive midfielder, is a national team regular, but he's been out of action for the last two months due to injury. If he makes his competitive return in this Gold Cup quarterfinal, it will be off the bench.
Costa Rica starting lineup (4-2-3-1): 18-Kevin Chamorro (GK) — 22-Jefry Valverde,19-Kendall Waston, 3-Juan Pablo Vargas, 15-Francisco Calvo — 5-Celso Borges, 20-Wilmer Azofeifa — 7-Anthony Contreras, 10-Cristofer Nunez, 8-Josimar Alcocer — 12-Joel Campbell.
Costa Rica subs (12): 1-Jussef Delgado (GK), 23-Alexandre Lezcano (GK), 2-Carlos Martinez, 4-Keysher Fuller, 13-Suhander Zuniga, 6-Pablo Arboine, 14-Ricardo Pena, 21-Kenneth Vargas, 11-Aaron Suarez, 17-Yeltsin Tejeda, 9-Diego Campos, 16-Warren Madrigal.
MORE: All the details on the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals
Mexico vs Costa Rica live stream, TV channel
Here are the details for the live stream and TV channel to watch the Mexico vs. Costa Rica quarterfinal for fans based in the USA and Canada:
USA
- Date: Saturday, July 8
- Time: 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT)
- TV channel: FS1, Univision, TUDN
- Streaming: Fubo, Fox Sports site/app, TUDN site/app
The match will be televised in the USA on FS1 (English) and Univision and TUDN (Spanish) with all three channels streaming on Fubo, which is available to new users on a free trial.
Subscribers to cable, satellite, or telco packages can use those authenticated credentials to access a live stream on the Fox Sports or TUDN site and app.
Canada
- Date: Saturday, July 8
- Time: 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT)
- TV channel: Telus Optik TV (Channel 980)
- Streaming: Fubo Canada, OneSoccer site/app
The match will be televised in Canada on Telus Optik TV (Channel 980), where viewers can watch the OneSoccer broadcast.
It will also be streamed on Fubo Canada, as well as on the OneSoccer site and app for subscribers.
Mexico vs Costa Rica odds
The odds are reflective of the FIFA world rankings of both teams: Mexico are 14th in the world, while Costa Rica are ranked 42nd.
This Costa Rican side is a national team in transition and a shadow of the squad which made it all the way to the 2014 quarterfinals. But it still relies on veterans like Kendall Waston (35), Francisco Calvo (31), Celso Borges (35), and Joel Campbell (31), who know how to play Mexico tough.
Recent contests have been tight, low-scoring affairs. In their last 10 matches dating back to 2015, the over 2.5 total goals has only hit twice and both of those came in friendlies, with far lesser stakes than competitive action like Saturday's quarterfinal. The Under 2.5 total goals is priced at +110 on BetMGM.
| Mexico win |
Draw | Costa Rica win |
Both teams to score Y / N |
Over / Under 2.5 goals |
MEX -1.5 |
CRC +1.5 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM (USA) |
-350 | +475 | +875 | +115 / -165 | -160 / +110 | -130 | -110 |
| Sports Interaction (Canada) |
1.28 | 5.40 | 9.80 | 2.06 / 1.60 | 1.66 / 2.18 | 1.83 | 1.95 |