Mexico defeat Suriname to reach Gold Cup knockouts
Mexico found it tough but ultimately defeated Suriname to advance to the quarter-finals of the Gold Cup.
Scorers: Montes 57', 63'
It was a frustrating first-half for the Mexicans as they struggled to create quality chances despite having two thirds of possession.
Advertisement
Eventually, Mexico broke the deadlock as César Montes was left completely unmarked on a corner, scoring a well-placed header without even needing to jump.
Minutes later, Mexico doubled their lead with another goal from a corner. This time, Montes' header deflected back to him off a Suriname defender, allowing Montes to tap in his second goal of the match.
Notably, four of Mexico's five Gold Cup goals have been scored directly off of corners.
At full-time, Mexico joined Costa Rica in the Gold Cup knockout stage, while Suriname were eliminated with two losses.
Javier Aguirre's side will finish top of Group A with a victory against Costa Rica on Sunday.
📸 Omar Vega - 2025 Getty Images
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
34 minutes ago
- New York Times
Explained: Why USMNT opponent Saudi Arabia is in the Concacaf Gold Cup
The U.S. men's national team will look to build on its opening win in this summer's Concacaf Gold Cup when it takes to the field against Saudi Arabia in Austin, Texas, today in the second match of the group stage. The Green Falcons are the lone non-Concacaf team in the championship and will serve as a crucial test for Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT. Advertisement But this isn't an unprecedented move: non-member guests have long been a part of Concacaf's tournament, and Saudi Arabia is now the eighth invitee to have debuted in the event. But why is Saudi Arabia traveling nearly 9,000 miles to Q2 Stadium to compete in the tournament? Here's all you need to know… The Concacaf Gold Cup is an international competition for national teams in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. But the competition has a history of inviting guests from around the world into the mix. Guests to the tournament date back to 1996, when Brazil became the first non-Concacaf nation to enter the fray. Brazil (1996 and 2003) and Colombia (2000) reached the final, but no invited team has yet won the tournament. There was a 16-year period during which the competition was exclusive to regional teams, but guests resumed participation in 2021. Last year, Concacaf tweaked its guest team policy for the Gold Cup, with the hope that invitees would help expand the competition even more. In 2018, Concacaf established a partnership with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) — which Saudi Arabia is a member of — setting up 'a framework to strengthen collaboration, encourage knowledge exchange and further develop football in their respective territories.' This was specifically intended to increase competitive opportunities between the confederations. In 2021, Qatar became the AFC's first team to compete in the Gold Cup (and lost 1-0 to the USMNT in the semifinals; also in Austin, coincidentally). Last year, Saudi Arabia received an invitation to join the biannual Gold Cup this year and also in 2027. Saudi Arabia is also a country with geopolitical pull in the world of sport, specifically soccer. It will host the men's World Cup in 2034, considered a controversial decision for various reasons. The country, through its Public Investment Fund (PIF), is also a visible sponsor of this summer's Club World Cup competition, which features Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. Last year, Saudi's PIF also signed a multi-year deal with Concacaf. That investment followed Aramco, one of the world's largest oil companies that is majority-owned by the Saudi government, becoming Concacaf's 'official energy partner' for all its teams and competitions. A match against Saudi Arabia might not be as easy as it sounds. Just ask Argentina, whose only loss in their run to World Cup glory in 2022 was in its opening game against Saudi Arabia (1-2). Historically, the Saudi Arabian national team is considered one of the most successful national teams in Asia, having won the AFC Asian Cup three times. It has reached a joint record of six Asian Cup finals and become a regular in the men's World Cups since debuting in 1994. It is currently ranked 58th in the world by FIFA. Led by head coach Herve Renard, the Saudis will be without some of their biggest stars, much like the Americans, thanks to the Club World Cup taking place simultaneously this summer in the U.S.. Several Saudi players are competing for Al Hilal, most notably Salem Al Dawsari, long established as one of the stars of Saudi soccer. While the U.S. enjoyed a dominant 5-0 win against Trinidad & Tobago in its opening match of the tournament, the team was up against a poorer version of its regional rival. It means this match on Thursday could serve as more of a litmus test. All teams, minus Saudi Arabia, have qualified for this year's Gold Cup through the latest edition of the Concacaf Nations League or the 2025 Gold Cup prelims. The tradition of inviting non-Concacaf guests into the competition dates to 1996, when the confederation invited then-defending world champion Brazil as its inaugural 'guest nation.' Brazil sent a U-23 squad, falling in the finals to Mexico. Brazil was a regular guest through 2005, even featuring a young Kaká in 2003. Advertisement The guest list for the Gold Cup has also featured Colombia, Peru, South Korea, Ecuador, South Africa and Qatar. These teams have regularly made deep runs in the tournament, which may have eventually led to the decision by Concacaf to make the 2007 competition exclusively a regional one to provide local teams with more opportunity to compete as the tournament expanded. That was true until 2021, when, after a 16-year hiatus, Concacaf resumed inviting guests into the competition. The first guest to receive that invite was Qatar in 2021, ahead of the nation hosting the men's World Cup in 2022. Qatar reached the semifinals of the Gold Cup that year and returned to the competition in 2023, exiting in the quarterfinals 4-0 to Panama. As successful as guests may have been in the competition, the Gold Cup still has only ever produced three champions: Mexico (nine titles), the United States (seven) and Canada (one). In the same way that this Gold Cup is serving as a crucial test for the three regional hosts the U.S., Canada and Mexico ahead of next year's men's World Cup, the competition offers Saudi Arabia a meaningful bout of international experience ahead of 2026, too. The team also has plenty to prepare for as hosts of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and the 2034 World Cup. The more exposure to diversity in competition, the better, especially considering Saudi Arabia has already signed on as guests for the Gold Cup in 2027 as well. It also gives Saudi Arabia, the nation, exposure to the American market at a crucial time when nearly every federation, league and sports promoter is hoping to profit from the exploding commercialization of soccer in the U.S. The two have a brief history, most recently playing in September 2022 in Spain as a final tuneup before the 2022 World Cup (0-0 draw). Six players who featured for the U.S. that day are part of the current squad. It was the first meeting between the teams in 23 years. Overall, the U.S. is 3-2-2 against Saudi Arabia.
Yahoo
44 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Gold Cup Update: Suriname eliminated, Curaçao with work to do following drab opener
Suriname were eliminated from the Gold Cup on Thursday morning. Following a 4-3 defeat to Costa Rica on matchday one, Stanley Menzo's team lost the second group match, this time 2-0 to Mexico. With Costa Rica winning their other game 2-1 against the Dominican Republic, Suriname can no longer reach the top two. Damning double sinks Suriname Suriname came close to pulling off an upset against Costa Rica in the first game. Strikes from Gyrano Kerk, Richonell Margaret and Shaquille Pinas looked to do the job despite a goal from Alonso Martinez and a penalty from former Twente striker Manuel Ugarte. Advertisement Unfortunately for Natio, though, they fumbled the 2-3 winning position before losing 4-3. Josimar Alcocer's goal set up a tense final 15 minutes in which Ugarte converted a second penalty right at the death. Mexico proved a far more challenging opponent. Confidently the stronger side, Los Tri dominated the stats sheet as a relatively quick-fire Cesar Montes double sunk Suriname around the hour mark. First, Montes dispatched a fine header at a corner on 57′, before then scoring an unorthodox floor-bound effort in the 63rd minute. Suriname will conclude their tournament against the Dominican Republic next Monday morning. Curaçao have work to do after drab tournament opener Curaçao drew their opening Gold Cup match 0-0 against El Salvador on Wednesday morning and it was fair to suggest that it was far from a classic. Advertisement Dick Advocaat fielded a side with much Dutch and European experience. Eloy Room started in goal, with Cuco Martina, Juriën Gaari, Roshon van Eijma and Sherel Floranus in front. Juninho Bacuna, Livano Comenencia and Leandro Bacuna formed the midfield, while Kenji Gorré, Jearl Margaritha, and Gervane Kastaneer formed the attack. A determined El Salvador proved difficult to break down in San Jose, and neutralised everything Curaçao sent their way. Just after half time, Kastaneer squandered a great chance by firing straight at eventual MOTM Mario González in a one-on-one. Advocaat's side then hit the crossbar via Margaritha before Comenencia shot over the bar from close range. Curaçao face host country Canada up next on Sunday. They enter as a truly daunting prospect, previously thrashing Honduras 6-0 in a dominant display. The group's conclusion against Honduras will play out on Wednesday. GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup: How to watch the USMNT vs. Saudi Arabia game tonight
If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Tim Ream and the USMNT will play Saudi Arabia in the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament this Thursday, here's how to watch. (Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Though the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup is technically held between the national teams in the North and Central American and Caribbean soccer leagues, this year's tournament has a special guest, Saudi Arabia, who were invited after their home country was selected as host nation for the 2034 World Cup. As a part of the group stage, Saudi Arabia will face the U.S. Men's National Team this Thursday night at a match in Austin, Texas. The USMNT broke a four-game losing streak when they won their first Gold Cup match against Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 and they hope to repeat that success on Thursday. Here's what you need to know about tuning into the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament, including this week's U.S. vs. Saudi Arabia matchup, how to watch Gold Cup games without cable and more. How to watch the USMNT vs. Saudi Arabia at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Date: June 19, 2025 Advertisement Time: 9:15 p.m. ET Location: Q2 Stadium, Austin, TX TV channels: FS1 Streaming: DirecTV, Fubo and more What channel is the USMNT vs. Saudi Arabia Gold Cup game on? The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup game between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia will air on FS1. The game will kick off at 9:15 p.m. How to watch the CONCACAF Gold Cup without cable: This Thursday's game on FS1 is available on platforms including Fubo, DirecTV, and Hulu + Live TV. Watch FS1, FS2, FOX and more Fubo TV Starting at $65 for your first month, Fubo TV's Pro tier gives you access to FS1, FS2, FOX and 100+ more live channels. The live TV streaming service is definitely pricey, but it still leaves you with major savings compared to a traditional cable package and will get you access to the Gold Cup. Fubo subscribers also get unlimited cloud DVR storage. The platform offers a free trial period, and you can currently get $20 off your first month. Try free at Fubo How to watch the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a VPN: If you don't have FOX and don't want to add another streaming-service subscription to your life, you could always try tuning in with the help of a VPN. In Central America, all CONCACAF Gold Cup matches will stream live on Disney+, which you may already subscribe to. In the U.K., many Gold Cup matches will stream free with an account on CONCACAF Go and via YouTube. Advertisement Not in either of those places right now? You can still tune in like you are with the help of a VPN. Stream CONCACAF Gold Cup games ExpressVPN The CONCACAF Gold Cup will stream on Disney+ in Central America and free via YouTube in the U.K. ExpressVPN offers "internet without borders," meaning you can tune into the tournament from anywhere. All you'll need to do is sign up for ExpressVPN, change your server location to the U.K. or Central America and find games streaming live on YouTube, via CONCACAF Go or Disney+. ExpressVPN's added protection, speed and range of location options make it an excellent choice for first-time VPN users looking to stretch their streaming abilities, plus it's Engadget's top pick for the best streaming VPN. New users can save 49% when they sign up for ExpressVPN's 12-month subscription. Plus, the service offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you're nervous about trying a VPN. From $4.99/month at ExpressVPN ● Group Stage: June 14 to 24 ● Quarterfinals: June 28 to 29 ● Semifinals: July 2 ● Final: July 6 Who is playing in the 2025 Gold Cup? The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup will feature 16 national teams: the best 15 from the CONCACAF region, who qualified through the latest edition of the CONCACAF Nations League or the 2025 Gold Cup Prelims, along with one invited guest team, Saudi Arabia. Here's who is playing in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Group A: Mexico, Costa Rica, Suriname, Dominican Republic Advertisement Group B: Canada, Honduras, El Salvador, Curacao Group C: Panama, Jamaica, Guatemala, Guadeloupe Group D: United States, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group Stage schedule: All times Eastern. Saturday, June 14, 2025 Mexico vs. Dominican Republic: 10:15 p.m. (FS1) Sunday, June 15, 2025 United States vs. Trinidad and Tobago: 6 p.m. (FOX) Haiti vs. Saudi Arabia: 8:15 p.m. (FS1) Costa Rica vs. Suriname: 11 p.m. (FS1) Monday, June 16, 2025 Panama vs. Guadeloupe: 7 p.m. (FS1) Jamaica vs. Guatemala: 10 p.m. (FS1) Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Curaçao vs. El Salvador: 8:15 p.m. (FS1) Canada vs. Honduras: 10:30 p.m. (FS1) Advertisement Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Costa Rica vs. Dominican Republic: 7 p.m. (FS1) Suriname vs. Mexico: 10 p.m. (FS1) Thursday, June 19, 2025 Trinidad and Tobago vs. Haiti: 6:45 p.m. (FS1) Saudi Arabia vs. United States: 9:15 p.m. (FS1) Friday, June 20, 2025 Jamaica vs. Guadeloupe: 7:45 p.m. (FS1) Guatemala vs. Panama: 10 p.m. (FS1) Saturday, June 21, 2025 Curaçao vs. Canada: 7 p.m. (FS1) Honduras vs. El Salvador: 10 p.m. (FS1) Sunday, June 22, 2025 Saudi Arabia vs. Trinidad and Tobago: 7 p.m. (FS1) United States vs. Haiti: 7 p.m. (FOX) Mexico vs. Costa Rica: 10 p.m. (FS1) Dominican Republic vs. Suriname: 10 p.m. (FS2) Advertisement Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Panama vs. Jamaica: 7 p.m. (FS1) Guadeloupe vs. Guatemala: 7 p.m. (FS2) Honduras vs. Curaçao: 10 p.m. (FS1) Canada vs. El Salvador: 10 p.m. (FS2) More ways to watch the CONCACAF Gold Cup:
